﻿Fifa to access current state of Gambian football ﻿

Sang Mendy FIFA have assigned Mr Cyrille Gerrard Lilian Betemps to visit The Gambia with a view to access the current state of football in the country under the leadership of Mustapha Kebbeh and his team. Mr Betemps will arrive in The Gambia on Wednesday 26th February, 2014 and will be received by a team from the GFF. He will spend two days in The Gambia and among other things he will do is to visit the Lower River Region. This information was carried in a press release circulated by the GFF Media officer. As per the press release: “Mr Cyrille Gerrard Lilian Betemps is assigned by FIFA Boss Sepp Blatter to The Gambia to assess the current state of football development. “The FIFA Technician will on Thursday 27th February, 2014 trek to the Lower River Region (LRR) accompanied by the GFF Senior Management Team. “This move is sequel to the earlier visit made by the GFF President to the World Football House in Zurich in September 2013 where Mustapha Kebbeh had fruitful talks with FIFA President Sepp Blatter on a wide range of football issues prominent amongst them been the sponsoring of an artificial turf for The Gambia.” When news that FIFA have agreed to support an artificial turf in The Gambia, the GFF Executive Committee’s did not reach a decision to locate the sponsored turf but the news release indicated that Lower River Region is an ideal place for the artificial turf. “The Executive decision on this matter is premised on complimenting Gambia government’s decentralization efforts in developing grassroots sports particularly football,” the release also stated.

Basketball League kicks off today despite lack of sponsor

Sang Mendy The president of the Gambia Basketball Association (GBA), Papa Njie, has said that they will kick off with the national league on Friday 21 February 2014 even though they could not get a sponsor for the league. He made these remarks on Mega Sports Bite on City Limits Radio on Thursday ahead of the commencement of the league. Papa said: “We are kicking off with our league because we can’t sit and wait for sponsors who might not come. We will continue and when a sponsors feels to come and partner with us, we will welcome it very well.” According to the president the tournament gets underway with Wallidan taking on Sporthouse at the Manneh Sillah Basketball Court in Banjul at 5:30pm while Serrekunda West will lock horns with Saints at 7:00pm and YMCA will face Brikama at 6:00 on the same day at Brikama. Speaking in a telephone interview, Papa Njie, said they were able to have a team that was able to implement a successful 2013 league. This year will be a bit different, he said, adding that he looks forward to a very successful season. Mr Njie revealed that twelve teams have registered in the male category while six entered for the female category. He also noted that they are expecting an electronic scoreboard from America soon, which will be used at the Independence Stadium. He also spoke about the importance of the general public coming out to watch basketball games for them to be able to sell their products and services and also attract sponsors. He further spoke about the need to have an indoor basketball court to take basketball to the next level. Teams have been divided into North and South zones to avoid playing up to the rainy season, he highlighted, saying each team will play one game out of their zone and two games within their zone. At the end of the season they will have seeding and then have play offs, he added. Without referees there would not be a basketball league or season in The Gambia, he stated, saying they have new referees and would not let them sit on the benches on the altar of waiting for them to mature but would rather give them the chance to officiate matches. Coaches have to accept decisions that are made be it against or in favour of them, he remarked, saying they will protect this young referees because they need them since the Peace Corp volunteers will be leaving very soon. He begged the coaches, players and supporters to be patient with their young referees. He also thanked the Peace Corps, referees, committee members, the media and everyone.

Capi Joof renews commitment to athlete development

The president of The Gambia Athletic Association (GAA), Alhaji Dodou Capi Joof has told the Daily Observer newspaper that his association is committed to the development of athletics and athletes in the country by targeting primary school sports. Capi Joof was speaking to Observer Sport’s Tuesday evening at the Serekunda West Mini-Stadium during the annul Inter-Primary School Athletic Championship organized to grace the country’s Independence celebrations. Joof described the performance by the primary school athletes as “very good”, something he added his association has been yearning for, by developing athletics at the grassroots level where talents can be identified and developed. While describing the championship as competitive, the GAA president said they have also identified good athletes for the senior schools from where they can scout them for the national team. Joof went on to describe the primary school sports as the best platform to scout talents, while encouraging all and sundry to give support to athletics, particularly financing and infrastructure. “I finally urged parents to allow their children to take up athletics as a profession,” he concluded. Nna Gambia News Observations It is obvious that the GAA is one of those associations who can be described as dormant when it comes to organizing competitions for their athletes yet he see a bright future for athletics in this country. Sporting associations such as football, basketball, volleyball, handball and wrestling all struggle to lure sponsor but they annually organize events for their athletes. The question though is if primary and secondary school sports can organize a nationwide athletics championships, why can’t the GAA do the same?

BEM back to spice up Super Nawettaan

By Sang Mendy

The trapper-tight zone that involves Barra, Essau and Mayamba (BEM) have been recalled into the 2013 Super Nawettaan following calls from the region and concerned Gambians for their reinstatement.

BEM was excluded from the initial draw that took place last week leaving the number of teams to eleven with group B standing with an odd number of five.

Their exclusion sparks debate on major sports programmes and on social media leaving stakeholders to quickly decide the saga.

Speaking earlier last week on City Limits Radio’s, Mega Sports Bite evening show, the chairman of the Super Nawettan Committe, Lamin Deep Camara said that Barra, Essau, Mayamba (BEM) might be called back into the Skye Bank Gambia Limited sponsored tournament for 2013.

Lamin Camara: "As at now, we are engaging all stakeholders.

We are in talks with the GFF, the National Sports Council and the ministry of youth and sports over the BEM case.

We are hopeful everything will be okay and that they will join us."

For his part Rara Hydara, the treasurer of the BEM Sports Committee said, they were all shocked when they heard that they have been excluded from the championship.

"We were part of the meetings of the organizing committee and we were always optimistic that we will take part in this year’s tournament.

“We were shocked when we heard the news.

“We advised our people to desist from making comments on the radios and until i am speaking now we did not hear anyone making any negative comment.

“We wrote a letter to the stakeholders concern explaining that we are not responsible for not playing Nawettan and we are hopeful they will consider our concerns."

Asked if hopes are high that they will be recalled, Rara said: "Yes, in fact we have since opened an account with the Skye Bank, the sponsors of the zonal and we have since been training with the hope of putting up a good fight like we did in our debut. As per Daily Observer; Confirming BEM’s readmission into the Skye Bank Gambia Limited’s sponsored championship , Lamin Camara said the initial decision was taken in light of the zone’s failure to hold a Nawettan competition this year, following an executive decision to ban Nawettan in rural Gambia during the rainy season. Click to follow http://observer.gm/africa/gambia/article/bem-readmitted-into-super-nawettan-championship Camara, who is also the chairman of the Gambia Football Referees Association, added that only zones who organised Nawettan competitions were initially allowed to take part in the competition. “When we allow BEM to [initially] play in the Super Nawettan before getting clearance from the authorities, it means that we are encouraging the young people around that end to cross to the Greater Banjul Area to play Nawettan so that they can play in the zonals and this is what we don’t want to encourage,” he added. Camara revealed to this medium that the clearance to pave the way for BEM’s readmission into the tournament has been issued by the Ministry of Youth and Sports, but the organising committee was yet to receive an official letter, though they were verbally notified. Mustapha Sonko, a representative of the BEM committee, confirmed that his side is fully prepared and ready to take part in the championship, noting that most of their players had played at other Nawettan centers. “It is our aim to participate and see our players develop,” he concluded.

Gamtel/Gamcel paid 25, 000 for Amadou Baldeh

BEM back to spice up Super Nawettaan

Bakau United to earn 10 per cent whenever Gamtel/Gamcel sell the tall lanky striker in the future By Sang Mendy The high profile transfer revolving around Amadou Baldeh alias I Jah Man has finally been laid to rest according to Ousman B Kinteh, the younger brother of the owner of the club, Seedy MB Kinteh. Ousman B Kinteh brokered the news of transfer when initial talks were on the way but noted that the final agreement was not met yet even though Bakau United allowed the lanky striker to commence training with the cellular club. However, Ousman told www.nagambianews.weebly.com that the transfer has finally been agreed and a whopping D25, 000 was paid to Bakau United. He also noted that it was agreed that whenever Amadou is sold in the future, Bakau United will 10 per cent of the price. “A transfer fee of 25000 dalasi, with 10 percent benefit for Bakau United on his future transfer has been paid this week. “When we were talking on your radio show the other day, the deal was not completed. We allowed the player to start training with Gamtel/ Gamcel FC because of their CAF Confederation Cup Competition preparation.” Asked if it is true that the Bakau United technical team sold Aamdou Baldeh to Gamtel/Gamcel without the notice of the administrators. Kinteh replied; “Trust me don’t listen to anybody about Bakau United. Anything that happens in that team I will provide answers if i am asked so ask me any question and I will provide you with answers.”

The trapper-tight zone that involves Barra, Essau and Mayamba (BEM) have been recalled into the 2013 Super Nawettaan following calls from the region and concerned Gambians for their reinstatement.

BEM was excluded from the initial draw that took place last week leaving the number of teams to eleven with group B standing with an odd number of five.

Their exclusion sparks debate on major sports programmes and on social media leaving stakeholders to quickly decide the saga.

Provincial summer football ban lifted

Zonal Committee chairman and BEM treasurer all optimistic that BEM will be recalled back as consultations are underway

By Sang Mendy

Daily Observer Newspaper have reported that the minister of Youth and Sports, Alieu Kebba Jammeh has declared that the presidential ban imposed on football across provincial Gambia during the summer in order to encourage rural youths engage in farming has been “lifted” with the ushering of the winter season.

According to the paper, The minister made the declaration in Basse Upper River Region (URR) during a meeting with the youths and local authorities in that far-flung region in continuation of his five-day nationwide tour.

He said a directive has been given for them to carry on with their ‘noran’ football tournaments now that the rainy season is over.

What is not clear though is does this mean the provinces should stop playing football when the summer looms up as was decreed by the Gambian president.

Meanwhile, the chairman of the Super Nawettan Committe, Lamin Deep Camara told Mega Sports Bite on City Limits Radio that Barra Essau Mayamba BEM might be called back into the Skye Bank Gambia Limited sponsored tournament for 2013.

Earlier on Monday the committee released the groupings of the 2013 super Nawettan championship but excluded BEM because according to them, BEM did not play any summer football jamboree which is a prelude to the super Nawettan.

Lamin Camara: "As at now, we are engaging all stakeholders.

We are in talks with the GFF, the National Sports Council and the ministry of youth and sports over the BEM case.

We are hopeful everything will be okay and that they will join us."

For his part Rara Hydara, the treasurer of the BEM Sports Committee said, they were all shocked when they heard that they have been excluded from the championship.

"We were part of the meetings of the organizing committee and we were always optimistic that we will take part in this years tournament.

We were shocked when we heard the news.

We advised our people to desist from making comments on the radios and until i am speaking now we did not hear anyone making any negative comment.

We wrote a letter to the stakeholders concern explaining that we are not responsible for not playing Nawettan and we are hopeful they will consider our concerns."

Asked if hopes are high that they will be recalled, Rara said: "Yes, in fact we have since opened an account with the Skye Bank, the sponsors of the zonal and we have since been training with the hope of putting up a good fight like we did in our debut.

We will be disappointed if we not part of it because we have been preparing for it but we are hopeful all these preparations won't be a waste."

Following the revelation that fourteen people applied for the four key positions up for grab at the Gambia Football Federation, a former senior staff of the then Gambia Football Association has described the qualifications set aside for the Technical Director as 'Ball Boy qualifications'. It would be recalled that the minimum requirement for the technical director is FIFA Intermediate Coaching Certificate and a minimum of seven years coaching at high level football in The Gambia.

These qualifications are seen in some quarters as a joke but according to this man who does not want his name mentioned, "The job is a ball boy qualification". He said; "Consider those qualifications in the advertisement for the TD as a ball boy qualification. Meaning this is the lowest and nonsensical qualification for a TD. TD means Technical Director. It will spark debate in the country." He went on to advice that the overriding or common objective is to take football to the summit of Mount Everest and the right people should be hired to do the job. Meanwhile, the First Vice President and spokesperson of the GFF, Buba Star Janneh, once told City Limits Radio's Mega Sports Bite show that they come so low to allow many Gambians apply for the post. However, if FIFA urges Football Associations or Federations to employ for someone with Eufa A-Licence Coaching certificate, how comfortable will the Gambia's technical director feel when a summit of technical directors for national teams be hold? The said former staff of the GFA also raises eyebrows on the others positions up for grab. Now that the Buba Star Janneh once said they will only put competent people in these posts, the Gambia is waiting to see who the lucky applicants will be and how far they will fit in their positions in the coming years.

'Papa is Gambia's pride' says Lamin 'Dip' Camara

By Sang Mendy

The President of the Gambia Football Referees Association, Lamin Dip Camara has described Bakary Papa Gassama as 'The Gambia's pride'.

Camara made these remarks after watching Papa officiate in the CAF Champions League finalbetween Al Ahly of Egypt and Orlando Pirates of South Africa. The Gambia’s Bakary Papa Gassama has again been tasked to referee Nigeria’s final qualifying match against Ethiopia in Calabar for a spot in the Brazil 2014 World Cup.

It is in this line that the president of the Gambia Football Referees Association, Lamin Dip Camara refers to Papa Gassama as a pride to The Gambia. According to the former referee Papa has been a very focus referee who have spent time relaxing and reading to enhance his of reaching high level refereeing. Dip was speaking to Mega Sports Bite on City Limits Radio on Monday evening where he was called to access the performance of Papa Gassama. He told Mega Sports Bite: “Papa has made the Gambia proud in all the international matches he has officiated. I watched him play on Sunday and I was so proud of him. He did so well and this is why he is been given more responisibilities to officiate more matches in Africa and the world.” Gassama, 34, became an international referee in 2007 and has officiated several high-profile qualifying matches and at tournaments. The Gambian will be assisted by Angesom Ogbamariam from Eritrea, who was born in 1971 and had been an international assistant referee since 1999. Felicien Kabanda from Rwanda, 42 and who has been an international assistant referee for 11 years, will be Assistant Referee 2.The 4th Official is Maudo Jallow, also a Gambia was born in 1979 and has been an international referee for the past four years. Nigeria won the first leg 2-1 in Addis Ababa on October 13 and the African champions are favoured to conclude the fixture in their favour next week, to book one of Africa’s tickets to Brazil for the biggest football festival on earth next year summer. Camara called on young Gambian referees to emulate Papa Gassama but warned that they must be focus and avoid involving themselves in activities that could distract them because according to him it not only in the field of play that comes good referees but even outside the field.

‘Jobs will go to the job’s friend and not our friends’- Star Janneh

As
he reflects on their first 100 days into the offices of the GFF which comes
with challengesBy
Sang Mendy The first
vice president who doubles as the spokesperson of the Gambia Football
Federation, Buba Star Janneh, has opined that the GFF would give the four
positions to people with the required qualifications and not their friends. Star
as he is fondly called made these remarks on Mega Sports Bite, a sports show on
City Limits Radio on Thursday evening as he looked back at their first hundred
days in office. Earlier
this week, the GFF opened up advertisement for the technical director,
secretary general, financial manager and treasurer positions that have been
vacant since the coming of the new GFF executive July 31,2013. According
to the former Gambian international, the positions that are advertised are for Gambians
but only for qualified people irrespective of the tribe. He said:
“We promised Gambians that we will be professional in whatever we do and we
will not sacrifice that now. “These
positions we talking about here are key positions in the way we want to
administer our football. So I can promise you that we will give the job to the
job’s friend and not our friends.”

Asked why they come so low to the level of intermediate coaching certificate for the position of the technical director when other countries seek for coaches with higher qualification, Star said, “We came so low to encourage many people to apply and also to allow Gambians occupy the post. Imagine if we had asked for Eufa A-License coaching certificate, how many Gambians would have applied for the post,” he asked. He stated that when they were coming into office they knew that it would be difficult to satisfy everyone with the decisions they take but as far they are concern, they would do their best to put the right people into office because according to him, they know how important they positions advertised are for the development of football. Reviewing the 100 days in office Recalling their centennial days in office Buba Janneh, a banker by profession stated that their hundred days in office have been tough and challenging but despite that they can boast of some successes too. “We have found it so hard to come to terms with the amount of loan we inherited but we are hopeful we will cover up the sum before we live office. We have started engaging our partners in the pattern of payment and hopefully this can work. “Our major success has been the extra-ordinary congress where we put before the delegates a development plan and a budget for approval which was appreciated by the delegates. “Apart from that the president’s visit to Zurich gave birth to the approval of some project among them, the building of an artificial turf in the provinces and the refurbishment of the Technical Training Center in Yundum.”

Janneh said he was amazed that time flies so fast. He said they have not been counting their days in office but appreciated the fact that journalists are keeping them on their toes. He reiterated the need for journalists to serve as checks and balances as they journey through their term in office.

GFF to employ a financial Manager to manage to institute financial discipline Sang Mendy According to the financial report presented before the delegates October 26, 2013 at the independence stadium friendship hotel, the GFF intends to put in place financial discipline. The GFF intends to build on the mistakes of the previous executives to put together a good financial strategy to avoid incurring debts.

Quoting form the financial report, it wrote, “Whilst we have recognized the enormous challenges faced by the previous Executive Committees of GFA and having learnt lessons from these experiences, we have identified a set of priorities with regards to managing the finances of the GFF. These priorities include but not limited to the following: 1. We need to increase the capacity of the staff in the Finance Department of the GFF in order to enhance effectiveness especially with regards to both Vendor and Donor management. Therefore, we will hire a Finance Manager and an Accountant along with General Secretary and Technical Director before end of 2013. 2. We have already put in place a comprehensive Financial manual which has now become the policy document for all our financial transactions. 3. We continue to build a good relationship with our auditors with a view to ensuring that our books are audited on time in line with both FAP and Statutory audit cycles. 4. We are committed in ensuring that not only the staff salaries are paid on time but also both their Income Tax and Social Security are also paid on time. 5. We will put together an aggressive Marketing team to replace ‘Gambia For Gold’ to boost our fund drive. We will put the team together once we have received the handing over from the outgoing members of ‘Gambia For Gold’ which is now long overdue. 6. We have already paid GMD2million of the total liabilities inherited and will continue to engage our Creditors with a view to negotiating the outstanding debt and where possible request for the complete waiver of the debts. According to the new breed of leaders at the GFF, their goal is to ensure that they improve the discipline on financial management by ensuring that WE LIVE WITHIN OUR MEANS.

GFF 1st Vice President Buba Star Janneh looking ahead for the ensuing year

Approved Budget for 2014, what's going on what and who is doing what

Putting before the delegates the proposed budget for 2014, the GFF President, Mustapha Kebbeh said; “we have prepared our budget for 2014 based on the activities indicated in our Technical report presented earlier by our 2nd Vice President and as required by Article 24, paragraph (f) of GFF’s Constitution which states “The General Assembly has the authority to approve the budget”. In line with this constitutional provision, we are seeking approval from the General Assembly for our 2014 budget as detailed below: 1. General Administrative expenses which consists of (a) Personnel cost of GMD3,091,620 and (b) Administrative Expenses of GMD2,666,500 making it a total of GMD5,758,120.We will use our FIFA Financial Assistance Programme to fund this budget line. 2. Elite League Competition is consists of GMD1, 494,900 for the Male Leagues and GMD393, 000 for the Female Leagues making it a total of GMD1,887,900. We will use the FIFA Assistance Programme to fund the Females Leagues and seek Sponsorship to finance the male leagues. 3. We have budgeted GMD550, 000 for the Male Regional Leagues and GMD275, 000 for the Female Regional Leagues making it a total of GMD825, 000 for the Regional Leagues. The Female Regional Leagues will be funded from FAP and the Male Regional League will be financed from proceeds of a Sponsorship and Gate Takings. 4. We have budgeted GMD3,902,500 for CAF club Championship. This will mainly be spent on indemnities for the referees for these matches. We will use FAP to finance this. 5. We have budgeted GMD36,400,000 for the various National teams’ engagements and the details are as follows: (a) Senior National Team GMD6.4million.(b) Under 23 Olympic Team GMD9million.(c) Under 20 Team GMD7million(d) Under 17 Team GMD7million (e) The Female Team for the World Cup qualifiers GMD7million. All the engagements of the National Teams will be financed by the Government of The Gambia. 6. Youth Competition (School of Excellence) GMD125,000 which will be funded from Sponsorship. 7. GMD900,000 is budgeted for GFF’s Grassroots Day Award (Festival) and will be funded from a sponsorship package. 8. We intend to organise Women Empowerment Football Tournament nationwide and we have budgeted GMD475,000 to be financed from a sponsorship package. 9. We have budgeted GMD883,000 for all the Technical training courses for our Coaches, Referees, Administrators and Sports medicine. This will be financed by FIFA through the FAP. Our total budget required to enable us to implement our 2014 programme of activities is GMD53,869,420 and we submit this for General Assembly’s consideration and approval in line with GFF’s Constitution.

‘N C spends more than
income’ financial report indicates

Claims the NC present false financial report to delegates in July Sang Mendy A report presented to the delegates in the October 26, 2013 extra ordinary congress stated that the Normalisation Committee that was brought to normalize Gambian football spent more than they have from March-December 2012. The report which was sent to the media stated that the N.C’s total income during the period was GMD8,574,019 and 47% of this amount came from FIFA and CAF while 20% came from the Government of The Gambia through the Ministry of Youth and Sports. “The N.C’s total expenditure from March 2012 to December 2012 was GMD9, 331,060. The bulk of this amount (59%) was General Admin expenses. “It is clear from the records that N.C ‘s expenditure during the period under review exceeded their income for the same period resulting in the deficit of GMD757,041.” It would be recalled that the NC blamed the deposed Seedy MB Kinteh’s administration for financial malpractices and wasteful spending which led to the sacking of some of the staff at the GFA now GFF. However, the report also show that from January to July 2013 the N.C’s total income was GMD10, 658,068 and 53% of this amount came from FIFA and 34% came from the Government of the Gambia through the Ministry of Youth and Sports. “The N.C’s total expenditure from January 2013 to end of July 2013 was GMD9,999,238. 36% of this amount (GMD3.6million) was spent on the National Teams’ related expenses while 33% (GMD3.3million) was spent on General Administration. “Consequently, N.C’s income for this period exceeded their expenditure by GMD646,630,” as per the report.

GFF president Mustapha Kebbeh revealing the debt

Real amount GFF owe partners

Meanwhile, the report revealed that the GFF is currently indebted to above 12 million dalasi something contrary to what was reported at the July 31st Elective Congress where it was reported that Gambia Football Federation have an outstanding debt of about 8 million dalasi.

Reading the report before the delegates, Mustapha Kebbeh said; “you would recall that N.C mentioned at the July 31st Congress that they have inherited a total debt of GMD10,164.700. “They have also mentioned that they have paid GMD3,241,400 of this debt leaving a balance of GMD7,123,397. “However, when we took over on the 1st August 2013 and reviewed the books, we discovered that the liabilities were more than what was reported at the Congress. We have discovered that N.C took an overdraft facility from a local commercial bank to the tune of GMD1.8million which was not reported as part of the liabilities. “We have also discovered that they have outstanding Social Security and Income Tax payments totaling to GMD803, 619. As a result of these and many other debts incurred by the N.C, the total additional debt is GMD4, 930,734 making the overall liabilities inherited by our Executive Committee GMD12, 054, 131,” the report captures. The question though is how long the GFF should continue to owe their partners and how does the Kebbeh led administration cover up such an amount of money within four years. Will they reduce the debt or they will also add, is a wait and see thing.

Development key in GFF Technical programme An aspect of football that has been neglect has now be given prominence on paper, many awaits implementation

GFF President Mustapha Kebbeh outlining the technical programme

Sang Mendy Gambia Football Federation has pledge to focus on developing more players at different categories in the coming years. This was revealed by the President of the federation when he presided over an extra ordinary congress which saw the lifting of the controversial ban on the former FA president, Seedy Kinteh and colleagues. The GFF also planned to host orientation seminars, courses and other programs in conjunction with CAF/FIFA programs to ensure transfer of knowledge. Quoting from the GFF technical programme of the GFF presented before the delegates on Saturday October 26, 2013 at the friendship hotel, independence stadium in Bakau, the report stated; “The GFF is going to be committed to (The Every Child Matter Agenda). “This will establish best practice in setting up guidelines, in introducing policy framework where all grass-root/youth Teams will be giving high priority in our development initiative.”

GFF 1st Vice President of the GFF, Buba Star Janneh listening

On how they intend to achieve these technical programmes, the report indicated that an overseer in the person of technical director will head the technical programme and would oversee the entire framework. Speaking at the post congress press conference, Mustapha Kebbeh told members of the press that plans are on the way to employ a technical director, financial manager, Secretary General and Treasurer. He promised that this will be done in the shortest possible time. As per the technical report: “The GFF technical framework shall be in this format 1. Technical Director 2. Director Technical Training Center/ Center of Excellence 3. National Team Coaches of all Categories. “The Technical Director will prepare or design a Technical frame work for future developmental programs for all the teams from grass-roots i.e. Bottom Up. Giving the responsibilities of the national team coaches, the technical report pointed out that they will be responsible for preparing and developing players for future competitions. “A Coach role is very key in our developmental programs. He/she has to have several qualities, knowledge, motivating, sensitive to individual needs and also good in problem solving. “The role of the coach is probably the most demanding, because it requires the greatest degree of knowledge and skills to build good team from low skill to high skills.”

Club and regional delegates listening to what the GFF have for them in the coming years

The strategic document also stated that the GFF will in Collaboration with the Government of The Gambia through The Ministry of Youth and Sports recommend the appointment of national Coaches which will be based on competence. The GFF also inform delegates that they will recommend to to the government to employ seven regional football coaches to be attached to the Regions who will be working with Regional Associations. These regional coaches the report stated will be assigned with responsibilities to assist and coordinate football development in the Regions from grass-roots and youth category. “The GFF on annual basis will organize orientation courses for all developmental and Regional Coaches to enable them to work effectively and efficiently. The regional Developmental coaches will have additional responsibilities of building district and Regional Teams (Male/Female) Grass- roots/ Youth Categories. “The Regional Football Coaches will be required to submit monthly and quarterly reports endorsed by the Regional Football Association Presidents on their activities to the Technical Director. “The Technical Director who will be working with the Coaches will be conducting visits to the regions to interact with the coaches in identifying their needs in working together to try to solve them,” as per the report.

Lamin Sanneh breaks another record

Sang Mendy Gambia’s middle and long distance runner Lamin Sanneh has broken yet another record in the 10km upon his return to Scotland when he ran in the Edinburgh Parkrun on Sunday, August 10,2013. Lamin crossed the line in second place with an official chip time of 33mins 35secs meaning he had set a new national record for 10k (road).Lamin commented ''I would like to thank everyone who has given their time to support me on this trip. I have met many people, raced with great athletes and learnt many things. In particular, I learnt how much hard work is required to achieve great things. I will take this back to The Gambia with me so that I can help others to develop as I have. “I need to thank the Gambian Police Force, Brufut Marathon Association and all others in The Gambia who helped me to travel to the UK. I would like to add a special thanks to my friends at Inspiring Gambians who have been a major player in making this trip a success. Their support, in particular during my stay in Scotland has been incredible and without this I would not have been able to make the 2nd trip here, where I have now set a new National record''. Lamin attended the Forth Road Bridge 10k on Sunday 11th August in good form. The course, locally know as a slower track, took in the crossing of the famous Forth Road Bridge across the Firth of Forth meaning that high winds would affect the runners pace. Please refer to this page for National records: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gambian_records_in_athletics We've previously reported that Lamin's time had broken a record that has stood for 40 years. Ousman Jallow's time of 37.38 although slower than Lamins time was set on the track. Therefore this records stand as the current on track record & Lamin Sanneh's time is the Road race record. Lamin will spend the remainder of his time in the UK visiting various clubs and coaches so that he can use this information to achieve his goal of running the marathon in the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow next year. To date Lamin has visited Edinburgh Athletics Club, Get Active Running & Aldon Coaching during his stay in Scotland where he hopes to forge long-lasting links.

Count Down to Gambia V Tanzania

Sang Mendy

Twenty-six days more for the Scorpions of the Gambia under a new leadership to face Tanzania.

Coach Peter Bonu Johnson kick start his training with the home based players this morning ahead of the September 7 clash.

The scorpions lost three of their last matches conceding eight goals scoring only two. Six of those have been against Ivory Coast who beat the Gambia on a double legged tie 6-0 on aggregate.

The Gambia's current standing is 163 in the world equal with the Dominican Republic and just above Myanmar and Sao Tome' and Principe.

Tanzania on the other hand also lost their last three matches also conceding 8 goals and scoring 3. They lost twice to Uganda and their last defeat came after Ivory Coast thumped them 4-2 at home.

Tanzania is ranked 128 in the world a just below Gayana and slightly above Kenya and Porto Rico meaning Tanzania is 35 places separate the two sides in the new FIFA Coco-Cola ranking.

Gilkock Football Academy send two players to Camp in Basse

Sang Mendy

Kalifa Touray and Karamba Darboe of the Brufut Based Gilkock Football Academy join 100 more kids from across the Gambia for the second edition of the Summer Youth Camp organised for children aged 10-15.

The duo left Brufut this morning for the Independence Stadium where they meet several other campers set for one week camp to be held in the Upper River Region village of Basse.

Speaking before their departure, Karamba Darboe who spoke on behalf of the two players expressed delight to have been selected to be part of the trip.

"I have been speaking with my colleague on the trip and we both delighted to be the ones selected among the lot in the academy.

"It shows that the coaches and the administrators of the academy believed in us. So we know a lot is expected of us. The coaches have spoken to us and we will do our best to give the academy a good name. We are not only representing the academy but Brufut as a community.

The lads showered praises on Martin Mayers who paid for their trip calling him "a good friend of the academy."

Addressing the players prior to their departure from Brufut, Technical Director of Gilkock Football Academy, Buba K Jallow, called on the players to be good ambassadors of the academy.

He reminded them to be role models and abide by the confines of the camp rules. He was quick to point out that the two players picked for this trip are among the most disciplined players of the academy.

"We all agreed that the two of you are among the most discipline players who fall among the age category for this camp. We also considered your regularity and determination and didication, so go out there and represent the academy to the best of your ability."

He also commended Martin Mayers providing the camp registration fees and promised that these two players will be in the good books of the ministry.

Secretary General and Media Officer of the Brufut based Gilkock Football Academy, Sang Mendy see the payers off to Basse where they are expected to spend seven days with fellow campers.

The camp will expose the campers to exchange of knowledge on social issues such as health related issues, social vices, sports, socio-cultural exchange among other things will help them integrate with children from different background and culture.

Suweabou Sanneh to hit tracks on Saturday

Sang Mnedy What’s On -Gambia reports that Gambian sprinter, Suwaibou Sanneh will be in action on Saturday in the opening day of the 2013 IAAF World Championships in Moscow, Russia. Sanneh who was Gambia’s only qualifier to the London 2012 Olympic is Gambian only representative at this popular athletics competition. Suwaibou is down to run the heats of the men’s 100-metres. Calling on Gambians to rally support for the young man, What’s On- Gambia wrote, “Shout out Gambia!” Suwaibou Sanneh now regarded as the Gambia’s best sprinter specializes in the 100 metres. It would be recalled that he set a personal best and national record time in 10.18 seconds, during the Semi-finals of the Olympics, on 5 August 2012 in London. He reached the semi-final at the 2008 World Junior Championships and competed at the 2008 Olympic Games without progressing to the second round finishing fifth in his heat with a time of 10.52 seconds. Sanneh competed at the 2012 Summer Olympics in the Men's 100m event and set a new Gambian record in the event with 10.21, managing to advance to the semifinals, where he again set the national Men's 100m record with 10.18, before being eliminated.

T Jallow and Lamin Sanneh set national records

Sang Mendy Brufut Marathon Run winners Mariama T Jallow and Lamin Sanneh who are gradually turning themselves into and Elite Gambian athletes have both set national records whilst competing in the UK this summer. Mariama T Jallow has set a new benchmark for female Gambian athletes in the 10k and Half Marathon categories where no existing time was recorded. Lamin Sanneh on the other hand set a national record in the 10k by beat a record (37.38) that has stood for 40 years held by Ousman Jallow in those days. No existing time was set for the Half Marathon New records as follows:Mariama T Jallow 10k - 37 mins & 27 secs at the BUPA Manchester 10k on 14th July 2013 Half Marathon - 1hr 22mins 08 secs at the Sheffield Half Marathon on 12th May 2013Lamin Sanneh 10k - 33 mins & 38 secs at the BUPA Edinburgh 10k on 14th July 2013 Half Marathon - 1hr 11mins 23 secs at the Sheffield Half Marathon on 12th May 2013 “We would like to congratulate both athletes for their achievements and we hope that these great performances can inspire other athletes to work & train hard to set new records to improve the standard of athletics in The Gambia. “By setting these records both athletes have proved the benefit of sending top athlete’s abroad to train and compete. We hope that future support and sponsorship can be obtained for the athlete’s as a result of their success.” Wrote Martin Mayers on the Brufut Marathon Run website. If you can help with this please email info@inspiringgambians.com stating your interest. All current Gambian national records can be viewed at this link:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gambian_records_in_athletics

Blatter congratulates Kebbeh, promised FIFA doors always open

Sang Mendy

FIFA president, Joseph Blatter has formally written to congratulate the newly elected president of the Gambia Football Federation, Mustapha Kebbeh and his entire executive. In a letter sent to the GFF president, Blatter wrote; “Your knowledge and personal will certainly have an impact on the stable development of our beautiful game in your country. In order to reach these goals, you can rely on my personal support and FIFA’s assistance; the doors of the house of FIFA are open whenever you wish to discuss issues of relevance related to the game. “I wish to extend my sincerest congratulations and best wishes of success in the occasion of your election as the new president of the GFF during its elective congress on July 31, 2013. “I wish you and your team good luck, strength and every success for all the challenges that lie ahead.”

Kebbeh's was voted into office after he beat his opponent Modou Musa 30 votes to 21 at the Paradise Suits Hotel in Kololi.

GNOC justify why August 3rd election should be binding

By Sang Mendy 48 hours after the Ministry of Youth and Sports threaten that they have not recognize the newly elected bureau of The Gambia National Olympic Committee, GNOC, Momodou Dibba and his newly elected executive issued a press release stating why they should be recognize. It would be recalled the Ministry of Sports, called the elections unacceptable and not binding, because according to them, (the ministry of youth and sports) the bureau allegedly did not adhere to the 30 day notice rule as stipulated in their constitution. The Sports Ministry further expressed disappointment that despite numerous attempt to advise, the GNOC to postpone the elections, the GNOC ignored their directive to observe their own rules and went ahead to conduct elections. The GNOC statement on the other hand described the Ministry’s statement as a gross misunderstanding of the GNOC Constitution. It further argued that the election process has started since February 11, when the first notice was given scheduling the elections for March 23 only for the opposing party to lodge an injunction that stopped the process. The GNOC said once the injunction was lifted on June 25 , it means that the election process should continue and, in fact,another 30 day notice was given foran Extra Ordinary AGM held onJuly 27 where delegates agreed on August 3 as the election date.Below we reproduced the letter in verbatim ‘‘The Gambia National Olympic Committee hereby refers to the article of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, as published in the Daily Newspapers of 5th August 2013.The GNOC hereby clarify as follows: 1. With all due respect to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, this article shows gross misunderstanding about the GNOC Constitution with regard to the electoral process. The allegations therein are inaccurate and do not reflect the events as they unfolded. 2. The GNOC was not obliged by any article in the Constitution to hold the Extra-Ordinary Session of 27th July 2013; it was only out of goodwill that it was held in order to bring on board the National Sports Associations and to make a final decision for the elections to be held. 3. The IOC letter of 14th June 2013 stipulated that “the GNOC cannot accept as voting members any federation/association which is not duly affiliated to its international federation”; and, “anyone who would refuse to attend the Extraordinary General Assembly would automatically disqualify him/her and would have no legitimacy to claim anything after’; and “everyone will have to accept the sovereign and final decisions (whatever they are) made by the Extraordinary General Assembly, of the GNOC in accordance with the GNOC Constitution and the Olympic Charter and the IOC instructions”. In light of the above stipulations, the GNOC would like to state that the electoral process started on the 11th February 2013 to observe the 30 day notice, with the following acts undertaken: i. Election date established for the 23rd March, as sanctioned by the GNOC Board ii. 11th February - Call for nominations. All National Sports Associations received a letter from the GNOC calling for nominations. iii. 11th March – All nominations received, and opened. iv. 21st March – A Court Injunction dated 21st March 2013, restraining the GNOC Officials with an Interim Injunction from conducting elections into the Executive Bureau of the GNOC on March 23rd 2013 or any other date pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice. The above highlights show that the election process came to a halt on 21st March, and once the Injunction was lifted on 25th June 2013, the GNOC was allowed to conduct the elections. In fact, another 30 day Notice was given for the Extraordinary General Assembly, which took place on 27th July 2013. The GNOC would like to inform the general public that it has not infringed the provisions of the Constitution, but acted in accordance with its stipulations, and established procedures. GNOC Officials operate and function under the directives of the General Assembly, which is the highest decision making body of the GNOC. The Extraordinary General Assembly of 27th July decided on holding the elections on 3rd August, and the GNOC Officials had no mandate to take a contrary decision. Finally, out of 24 National Sports Associations eligible to vote, 17 Associations unanimously voted in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility’’.

CAF congratulates Kebba, assures him of his support

GFF president, Mustapha Kebbeh

By Sang Mendy

Four days after been voted into the helm of affairs in the country’s supreme football body, Mustapha Kebbeh receives congratulatory message from the president of the continental body, Confederation of African Football, CAF. “On behalf of the CAF Executive Committee and the entire African football family, I would like to offer you my warmest congratulations for your election as President of GFA, providing the perfect avenue to steer Gambian football to new heights.”

The letter further stated that CAF is indeed confident that, “your experience, know-how and leadership will benefit not only Gambian football but also African football as a whole. We look forward to cement our partnership and exchanges in order to benefit the youth of our beloved continent.

‘We wish you a very successful tenure in your position and rest assured that you can count on the support of the Confederation of African football to achieve a very successful mission.” The congratulatory message signed by the CAF president, Issa Hayatou was sent to on Thursday August 1, 2013.

‘GNOC election bogus and sham’-Sports Ministry

Hon Alieu K Jammeh, Youth and Sports Minister

By Sang Mendy The Ministry Youth and Sports and the National Sports Council jointly issue a statement condemning the August 3, 2013 GNOC congress which ushered in a new executive bureau led by incumbent Alh Momodou Dibba. The statement sent to all media houses described the elections as ‘bogus and sham’ and further went on to say that the result of that election is ‘null and void and should not be binding’. The news came 24 hours after delegates voted in an executive bureau in what was the smoothest of all elections as all executive seats went unopposed because the opposing camp did not show up at the congress. “The Ministry of Youth and Sports” the release state “has made several attempts to ask the NOC to postpone the congress until further notice when all saga surrounding the congress is settle but according to the release, the NOC showed blatant lack of respect to the official authority as manifested by disgruntled elements of the self-appointed bureau of the national Olympic committee of The Gambia, who went ahead against all reasonable advise and conducted an illegal assembly on Saturday August 4, 2013 for the election of new bearers of the national Olympic committee is unacceptable. Observe the 30day notice prior to election “The Honorable minister had personally met with the secretary general of the national Olympic committee and reminded him that, the provision of the GNOC constitution which clearly demands that a 30day notice is given prior to holding any election in this regard. “In addition, the secretary general was called on the phone on numerous occasions and an email sent to him on the same matter. Regrettably, him and his cohort defied all approaches of sensible engagement and have now chosen a collision course with the ministry. These intentions are clear and it is for one thing, which is to bring this country and the government into disrepute with international partners.” “This undignified and insolent act will not be tolerated.” Comply or give way to genuine players “The general public is reminded that the constitution mandates the ministry to regulate, administer and manage sports and development of sports in the country resides with the ministry of youth and sports only. The ministry will not waver for an inch in the dispensation of that responsibility. The release further warned all actors in the sports sector to comply with the dictates of the sports laws and approved sports regulations of the land or ‘simply give way to genuine players’. The press statement recalls the way change smoothly took place in football stating, “at a moment when the whole country is rejoicing the beginning of a new era for football development with heighten sanguinity, it is simply contemptible and an affront to all senses of civility that any person would want to open a can of worms of discord in the family for nothing but purely selfish interests.” The ministry assures all and sundry that it will continue with its given mandate responsibly and effectively.

Kebbeh promise to unite fractions in football

By Sang MendyThe newly elected president of the newly established Gambia Football Federation, GFF, Mustapha Kebbeh has promised to unify the stakeholders in football after been voted into office on Wednesday at the Paradise Suits Hotel in Kololi. Kebbeh called on football stakeholders to put behind the election and work for the growth if football in the Gambian. "As of this moment” Kebbeh told delegates in his acceptance speech, “that there is nothing like a camp; we are one in the same football family and we need to start tightening our belts from today and move Gambian football to higher heights and to the next level." He also promised to transform Gambian football to a level that it will serve as a model not only in Africa but in the world. The new president elect also noted that stakeholders should start seeing themselves as members of the same family and who shall continue to work very hard to ensure that the Vision 2020 and PAGE put up by the government are realized." Modou Musa conceding defeat While accepting defeat, Kebbeh’s opponent, Modou Moussa told the waiting reporters that he will support the executive for the interest of Gambian football saying, “the delegates have spoken and there is nothing that can be done but I will continue to work for football.”Build on the gains of the NC Speaking earlier, the outgoing vice chairman and spokesperson of the Normalisation Committee, Omar Sey, said the process of normalizing football in the Gambia was tedious but said that he is happy that a new and young executive committee has been elected to take over the helm of affairs of Gambian football. He pointed out that the Committee had during the period made an effort to strengthen the Secretariat and also restructure the Technical Department. Alh Omar Sey however called on the Mustapha Kebbeh-led executive to implement the structures captured in the constitution. "I urge you to work hard as it will be difficult. I appeal that the new executive to consolidate on the gains of the NC." FIFA have been happier the constitution is adopted Head of FIFA Legal Affairs Division Primo Carvalho, who represented the football world governing body, FIFA said he is delighted that a new committee has now been put in place. “I am so happy that now there is a new president or leadership, which was the FIFA and CAF goal. We had been happier when the new Constitution was adopted because that was a big challenge and very important for FIFA and CAF that GFF would now have a new, good, balanced, and a healthier structure.” “We have a new programme that has been set up two months ago and it is called ‘Performance’. It is a tailor-made programme for each of the associations, meaning you will have a team of specialists coming to your country and assessing in all different aspects. We work with a strategic plan to improve the strength or work on the weaknesses, so that is one thing that will be done in The Gambia.” Carvalho further warned that there is still a lot of work to be done and said both FIFA and CAF will continue to monitor the situation closely. He also congratulated the members of the Normalisation Committee for a job well done, positing that Gambia is lucky to have senior and ‘credible’ people still contributing in the game. Primo Carvalho reminded the newly elected executive committee members that before FIFA releases funds for national associations, they require accountability on how their monies already given out were spent. “So now we still need the new executive to give us (FIFA) some accountability on what had been done before, because FIFA will not provide money until we get the answer we are entitled to get,” he concluded. Composition of the GFF executive The Steve Biko Football Club president polled 30 out of the 51 votes while his frontrunner, Modou Moussa, polled 21 votes. Kebbeh will be assisted by seven other executive members to steer the affairs of Gambian football in the coming years. Former Gambian international Buba ‘Star’ Janneh of Bombada was elected as the first vice president, Gamtel/Gamcel FC’s Kebba Touray was also elected as the second vice president; Basirou Bajo of Brikama went unopposed for the third vice presidency. The coopted members are Borri Darboe of Bakau United Football Club, retired referee Lamin Camara of the Gambia Football Referees Association, Nyima Manneh of Central River Region and Oumie Bittaye of Banjul.Regional presidents The eight elected executives will team up with the seven elected Regional Football Association presidents to complete the executive body of the newly established GFF. The Regional Association presidents include Modou Sowe of Banjul; Abou Khan of North Bank Region; Bakary Paco Dampha of Kanifing Municipality; Abdou Karim Sey of West Coast Region; Furmus Gomez of Upper River Region; Wandifa Kinteh of Lower Region Region and Numukunda Kanyi of Central River Region.

Seedy, Halla and others banned for the next five years

Coming executive could drag the previous executive to court for mismanagement and abuse of office leading to the poor state of Gambian football says disciplinary committee panel report

By Sang Mendy

The Normalisation Committee brought to normalize Gambian football has finally released what every Gambian football follower was waiting for. The NC issued a news release carrying the recommendations from the disciplinary panel tasked to scrutinize the audit report carried out by Prom and Co.

And after a thorough look into this report, the three man panel came up with recommendations to ban all former executives of the GFA as well as ordered that the former president be liable to pay the entire outstanding debt or be dragged to court.

The report recommended that GFF Presidential candidates,
Seekdy MB Kinteh and Adama Halla Samba as well as two elected regional football
association presidents Abul Karim Sey of West Coast Region and Wandifa Kinteh
of Lower River Regionand a host
of other people including four senior staff of the former GFA. These people
have been banned from holding any position in football for a period of five
year.This news came to many Gambians as a shock as Gambians wait
to see the transformation of the game since the dissolution of the former
Gambia Football Association executive. The news release also stated that affected persons
can appeal this decision to the GFF Normalisation Committee before Wednesday
17th July 2013 at 12 noon, stating that all appeals should be addressed to the
Ag General Secretary, GFF. The Disciplinary Committee comprises Lawyer
Gaye Sowe as Chairman, his Worship Magistrate Ebrima Kijera and Lawyer Tom
Katusabe as members. Below is the full text of the report of the
disciplinary Panel The Disciplinary Committee was set up by the
Normalisation Committee of the Gambia Football Federation to inquire into the
conduct of the immediate past Executive Committee of the former Gambia Football
Association in its management of the Association, base its inquiry on the
audited financial reports and any relevant official documentation and
administrative practice and recommend disciplinary action to the Normalization
Committee. As per the GFA Constitution, the role of the
GFA Executive was to guide the GFA in matters of Management, policy and
governance. The powers of the Executive were set out under
section 3 of the then constitution of the GFA. The Executive was headed by the
President and 3 Vice Presidents in accordance with section 1 of article 7 of
the GFA Constitution. These are the accounting officers for purposes of the
Executive. They were mandated to carry out powers under section 3 of the said
constitution. An Audit exercise was carried out by a
Chartered Audit Firm (Augustus Prom) for the years 2009, 2010 and 2011, during
which the management of the GFA were given an opportunity to explain all the
queries raised by the Auditors. Consequently a Management Letter was issued by
the Auditors in respect of each of these years. These audit reports were reviewed by the
Committee and all the queries were thoroughly scrutinized with a view to finding
out the instances of gross irregularities and omissions in the management of
the football association. At the end of the exercise, the Committee came to a
conclusion that the following findings of the audit exercise constituted gross irregularities
and omissions-1) Executive
and Sub-Committee meetingsThere is no evidence of minutes of the GFA Executive
Committee as well as its Sub-Committees for the period under review. This means
that the decisions and deliberations of the Association's Executive and those
of its Sub-Committees
could not be verified. Thus the auditors could not ascertain whether financial directives
and decisions of the Executive were adhered to or executed as planned. This was
a clear violation of section 5 of the GFA Constitution which requires minutes
of such meetings to be documented, signed and kept for reference. 2) Misappropriation
of FIFA Financial Assistance Money The GFA received the sum of $US 250,000 from
the FIFA Financial Assistance Program (FAP) and the Executive decided to give
out the sum of D1,050,000 as loans to 24 staff members. The audit report found
that no collateral was given to secure the loans and "no proper procedures
were followed in giving out the loans and there is also a risk that some of the
staff may not fully repay their loans". In fact the Disciplinary Committee
found as a fact that some of the staff are no
longer in the payroll of the GFA and so the loans given to them are effectively
bad debt. More seriously, this act was a clear contravention of articles 3.2,
3.3 and 3.4 of the FIFA FAP Regulations which stipulates that the FAP moneys
shall
be used only for football development. Ironically immediately after disbursing
these staff loans, the GFA took a shot term loan of D2.5 million from GT bank. 3) Statutory
deductions Statutory deductions of social security and income
tax were made by the GFA but not paid to SSHFC and Income Tax Department This
has led to an outstanding balance of D1, 545, 394.00 owed to SSHFC and
D659,072.00 as unpaid staff income tax. When viewed in relation to the
D1,050,000 given as staff loans, this omission becomes all the more reckless
and irresponsible. 4) StaffingThe audit review of the payroll records
revealed that staff personal files were not updated and the files do not
reflect the current salaries of staff. In addition some of the files only have
appointment letters with no educational certificates or curriculum vitae. There
was no salary integrated pay scale and as such it was difficult to ascertain
how new staff are remunerated. The audit report also revealed
extremely high cost of personnel as the number of staff recruited increased on
a yearly basis without regard to the income base of the GFA e.g. the total
staff in 2008 was 17, by 2011 it was 57 and in 2012 it rose to 75. Thus by
2012, GFA owed its staff 7months salary arrears. 5)
Payment vouchers The audit report also highlighted various instances
of payments made without supporting documents attached as well as unapproved
payment vouchers in the years under review. The implication of such instances
was that the auditors felt
they could not verify the validity or accuracy of the expenditures involved. Findings For such failures as highlighted in our
preliminary findings, members recommended
that-EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE The Executive Committee in total should be
banned from any future football management and governance for a period of 5
years. As to the issue of refunds, members recommended
that the refunds must be paid by the former executive; the President shall be
personally responsible. The Executive reserves the right to take legal action
for recovery of such monies as is recommended to be refunded; This will serve as the penalty for all the
irregularities, in-actions, omissions, acts, violations, observed during the
committee's tenure of office as a whole. MANAGEMENT The management was headed by the Secretary
General assisted by the Assistant Secretary General, Treasurer, Director at the
NTTC. This comprised of top management responsible for the day to day
management and technical operations of the GFA. These were professionals who
ought to have exercise reasonable skills and judgment and owed a duty of care
to advert financial loss to the GFA. From the committee's observation, they acted
negligently and with due disregard to the development of football in The Gambia
as a whole. This will serve as the penalty for all the
irregularities in-actions, omissions, acts, violations, observed during the
committee's deliberations as a whole. Their actions gravely injured the GFA and for
this reason, the above members in the Management are banned from any future
football management and governance at all levels amongst others for a period of
5 years. As for the issue of refunds, members recommended
that it be paid
by the Management, the Secretary General should be personally
responsible. The incoming Executive reserves the right to take legal action for
the recovery of such monies as recommended to be paid by the former management.
The committee's recommendation in respect to other staff members still holds.Members finally recommends to the incoming
Executive Committee of the GFF to retain the services of a Lawyer for purposes
of legal action and advices on all GFF matters.

Gambia Delegation Returns from ANOCA Assembly as Palenfo, Sithole elected to top posts

By Namory Trawally The delegation of Gambia National Olympic Committee (GNOC) led by president Momodou Dibba and comprising of Secretary General Peter Prom and Media Attache Nanory Trawally returned home yesterday evening after attending the 15th ordinary General Asembly of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa held in Abidjan from the 12-13 July 2013.

Beatrice Allen, the first Vice President of GNOC who was invited by ANOCA as African IOC Member, was appointed as chairperson of the Electoral commission.

The well attended ANOCA annual elective general assembly, 52 out of 53, formally approved General Lassana Palenfo for a third and final term as President, an exercise that also saw long serving Zimbabwean sports administrator Tomas Sithole voted as the secretary General.

IOC President Jacque Rogge, Vice President Thomas Bach and ANOC President Sheikh Ahmad Al Fahad Al Sabah were part of a host of dignitaries from the Olympic movement that attended the elective assembly.

Sithole who previously served as the IOC Director for International Cooperation and Development garnered 26 votes to regain the post he once held from 1997, against the incumbent Egyptian Khaled Zein Eldin 25.

Friday’s four hour-long voting exercise in the Ivorian capital of Abidjan saw all the other incumbents elected back to the office with the addition of Lesotho’s Olympic Committee President Madam Matlohang Moiloa-Ramoqopo who captured the fourth Vice President seat reserved for women, after the third round of voting.

South Africa’s stab at ANOCA posts hit a snag as its NOC boss Tubby Reid lost his bid for the post of second Vice President to the incumbent Soda Costa Alegre Joad Manuel from Sao Tome Principle . SASSOC Vice President Kajee Hajera lost the race for the women’s vice chair post.

Sithole returns to the board where he first served as member from 1989.

“This election was for me to win, it was not for me to lose. I wanted to be elected to come and serve and use the experience that I have gained in the past in sports within Africa,” said an elated Sithole after the second round of voting following a tied 25-25 votes in the first attempt.

Still smarting from the premature closure of the African Village in London in row over unpaid bills, the Ivorian President sought instead to move forward as he shared a plan to develop and implement athletes programmes for Rio 2016 for each of the 53 NOCs that will ensure increased participation and boost performance in Brazil.

“This was a very tight and democratic election. The elected board am sure will be up to the task to carry through the programmes we have outlined for the next four years. We want to improve on our administration and focus on training and talent development ahead of Rio,” offered Palenfo. The African cultural village that was located at Kensington Gardens was shut five days early after a bitter dispute between the suppliers and the contracted organisers.

The outgoing Executive board faced a barrage of criticism at the 15th General Assembly on the organization of the African house which hosted 16 NOCs and cost about $800 000.

“We were not convinced with the idea of the Africa village and it turned out to be a shame and cost which we could have avoided,” argued Mamadou Diagna Ndiaye, President of the Senegal NOC.

“If we to put all that money spent into the development of athletes and projects within our NOCs it would have been a solid investment,” added the Ugandan NOC head counterpart William Blick.

The ANOCA Executive board which has since moved to court to sue the organisers for breach of contract however maintained that the cultural village was a noble idea that attracted thousands of visitors and should be supported in future.

Nigeria’s Habu Ahmed Gumel was unopposed and retained his treasurer’s seat, and so did the First Vice President Algerian Mustafa Berraf who topped the votes 26-15 against his challenger Chad’s Moussa Mahamat.

The first vice president of Gambia National Olympic Committee (GNOC) and IOC member Beatrice Allen has received the commander of Sports Merit award of the Republic of Ivory Coast.

The award, conferred on her on Friday Night at a ceremony held at the Luxurious Ivoire Hotel in Abidjan during the 15th ordinary General Assembly of the Associations of National Olympic Committee of Africa (ANOCA), was in accordance with decree No 67-226 of the 1967 Constitution of the Republic of Ivory Coast.

The award was presented to Beatrice Allen by the Ivorian Minister of Youth, Sports and Leisure Honorable Alain Lobognon on behalf of his Excellency Alassane Ouattara president of the Republic of Ivory Coast.

Presenting the Award, Sports Minister Alain Lobognon hailed Beatrice Allen for her outstanding contribution to the development of African Sports.

“You have championed the cause of African Sports since you came into the IOC and we are proud of you for uplifting African Sports to another level. We wish you were an Ivorian” confessed Sports Minister Alain Lobognon.

GFF Presidential Profiles Part Four - Mustapha Kebbeh

The Point Newspaper profiles the four persons who have been nominated for the Gambia Football Federation presidency.

Here is the profile of another presidential aspirant the former 3rd Vice President of the Gambia Football Association (GFA) president Mustapha Kebbeh. During the successful GFF adoptive congress, sports minister Alieu Jammeh, while assuring stakeholders that none of the Normalization Committee members could stand for elections, said he would rather prefer a young and fresh blood to run the affairs of the future football executive of the Gambia. Well his prayers could well be answered in the candidature of Mustapha Kebbeh, the youngest and perhaps the only one not tainted with anything adverse, real or imagine in the GFA as he had never served in any GFA executive. But that is not in any way suggesting that Kebbeh has no links with football. For a start, Kebbeh is the current Chairman of the Kanifing Muncipal Council, KMC, regional sports committee and president of the SereKunda Zonal sports committee as well as president of the newly crowned Gambian football champions Steve Biko FC. His first contact with football was a Nawettan player in the Nuimis and at Faji-kunda in the 80s but Kebbeh was better known for success in sports and youth administration. A founder member of the famous Faji-Kunda nawattan side Eden Border, Kebbeh and colleagues successfully managed that team to produce super stars that went to win places in the national team. One glittering example is current scorpions captain Mustapha Tubabo Jarju. The team inspired whole communities to start loving football and back their local players thus contributing to the unique and great atmosphere, Serekunda East is known for. A development specialist Mustapha Kebbeh served the ministry of sports from mid 90s to late 90s including and in addition to a four year sting as chairman of the National Youth Council, NYC. He also volunteered his services in various sub committees of the GFA e,g the organizing committee then led by Mass Axi Gye. With a double masters and currently acting national director of Child Fund International, Gambia, Mustapha Kebbeh’s supporters said the man’s articulate and smart composure and great passion in youth and sports development makes him the ideal candidate to run football, in tandem with the vision 2020 which places emphasis putting youths as focal points in development process.

'GFF presidential screening held by technicalities'-Omar Sey

The Point Newspaper have reported that the Normalisation Committee is still mute over who is qualified to run for the GFF election claiming that the screening is held by some technicalities.

One week since the Gambia Football Federation (GFF) announced a panel to screen the four aspirants in the July 31 executive elections, promising to unveil the successful names last Wednesday, there is still no news on the identity of those allowed to contest, fuelling further speculations and rumours on what might have caused the delay. One account of the rumour mill has it that there has emerged a disagreement among the panelists over their recommendations, making it impossible for the NC to present it as it is still unsigned. Another account suggested that the vetting committee’s findings did not find sufficient grounds to disqualify any of the candidates, much to the disappointment of the Normalization Committee, who is now brooding over what course of action to take, hence the delay in the announcement. The Point has over the weekend tried to verify both accounts, but since even the panelists are not publicly known it was impossible to get first-hand information from them, leaving only the Normalization Committee as the clarifying body. Confronted with these speculations, the NC’s spokesman and vice chairman Omar Sey admitted the NC could not meet its promised date to unveil he findings, but categorically rejected that it was even remotely caused by what is being suggested by the rumours. “On the contrary, the panel has completed their work but it is just that there are some technicalities that are been worked out such as the timing etc. We as the NC are satisfied by the panels’ work, but we feel that it is not quite ready to present it as promised last week,’ Sey stated. Asked when the country will know the findings, Mr Sey said this time he would not commit himself to a definite day and time.‘I want to wait until when I could say, Mr Cham; come for the report,’’ he said. Meanwhile, the NC recently called a meeting of regional football associations attended by all regions, except KMC. According to sources from the attendees, the NC has asked them, among other things, to send in the names of the three delegates to represent them at the congress, which they said has never been the case. ‘We wonder why our voters should be known earlier than the voting day,’’ they queried. Contacted to shed light on that, Omar Sey admitted there has been a meeting with the regional associations, and the topic was to keep them abreast with the election process. On why the unusual request for them to submit the names of their voters beforehand, Mr Sey said far from the picture being painted by the speculations, the meeting was an important meeting in that it enabled the regions to suggest names of nominees for the other executive positions on the committee. ‘And also, the electors of the regions and the clubs shall naturally be known so that candidates would know where and who to woo for votes. How can somebody campaign if you do not know who the voters are’’ he said. On why KMC has not been invited, Mr Sey said until and unless the KMC agreed to the formula ascribed by the interim committee installed by NC to conduct another congress there, the KMC is not recognized by the NC. Asked if that would not disenfranchise such a big player like KMC in Gambian football, Mr. Sey said the KMC needs to conform or be left out of the process. ‘They are not bigger than the whole country, but as I speak, I’m getting hints that they are considering working on a compromise,’’ he concluded. Meanwhile, as we went to press, news filtered from Basse that the regional football election which controversially elected Furu Gomez as chairman last month, has been redone, and the new chairman is one Abubakar Krubally. Contacted to confirm this, NC spokesman Omar Sey said though he has not been officially communicated to on that, it could still be possible. ‘There has been talk of a possible rerun all these days, so it could well be the case,’ he said.

Gambian athletes run again in UK

Lamin Sanneh and Mariama T Jallow both were in action on Sunday 14th July. Lamin was making his Scottish Debut at the BUPA Edinburgh 10K while Mariama was running in the Leeds 10k.

Both athletes ran in memory of the late Mamadou Max Jallow, under whose initiative the pair made it to UK to compete in these elite road races something to help steer both athletes’ careers and experience. Lamin ran a very strong race on a punishing and undulated course around Edinburgh recording 33 mins 38 secs, a timing only good enough to finish 16th in the Elite field and 1st in his Orange band category. The Elite field contained a very strong international contingent including the British Champion who came out first with a time of 30 mins 18 secs as well as UK based International athletes. Mariama T Jallow on the other hand impressed with strong run around the flatter course around Leeds city clocking 39 mins 57 secs something only good for 7th place in the Female category. Both athletes have proven their status as an Elite athlete by competing within this category in strong International fields. Both athlete’s had already secured top 4 finishes respectively in their Classifications at the Sheffield Half Marathon in May of this year where Lamin recorded a time of 1hr 11 mins and Mariama 1hr 22. “We are hoping to get them both back up to Glasgow before they head home to meet with some elite athletes we met yesterday. Try to use it as a development mission,” said Martin Myers, one of the supporters of the athletes.

Do you know this about Halla Samba?

The Point Newspaper profiles the four persons who have been nominated for the Gambia Football Federation presidency.

Here is the profile of another presidential aspirant the former 3rd Vice President of the Gambia Football Association (GFA) president Adama Halla Samba. Halla, as he is fondly called, grew up in Banjul to love football at a tender age and as his preferred sport, Halla got involved in the Gambian game as player, coach and administrator. From 1957 when he enrolled at primary school Halla Samba started playing football, and continued to Armitage among other places still playing for the school teams. Upon completing high school, Halla’s football skills were in no doubt at its best and was soon recruited to Adonis Football Club, one of the most respected first division league clubs in The Gambia at the time. Halla stayed at Adonis for ten years, three of them as team captain, during which time he played international football with The Gambia 11. He was so popular and admired in the field that fans likened his play to a former German International Haller, hence his sobriquet name Halla, a corruption of the name of the German player. With a glittering club and national team career behind him, Halla Samba translated his great football skills to coaching and was appointed coach of Wallidan in 1983, turning that club to the most successful team in Gambian football. He guided the team to record unprecedented titles, FA cups and countless trophies that made Wallidan the Manchester United of The Gambia. In short, Wallidan won everything that was put on stage in Gambian football. Halla’s ten years as Wallidan coach landed the Blue Boys 9 league titles, 8 cups, 3 GNIC trophies, 3 S.S. Ceesay trophies, 2 Confederal trophies and 7 Super Cups. In 1994 Halla Samba retired from coaching and was elected 1st Vice President of Wallidan and following the demise of the club’s president in 2005, he was made president to date. Giving the illustrious career and dedication he recorded in football Halla Samba was drafted into the administration of the national game, becoming 3rd vice president of the Gambia Football Association (GFA) in December 2009. In addition to this position, Halla Samba served in various committees including marketing which is credited for successfully landing a lucrative kits sponsorship deal with Saller Sports Wear Company in Germany. In August last year Halla Samba took the lead in declaring that he would run for president of the GFA, as continuation of his service to the country’s game. Outside football, Halla Samba is a successful businessman and public servant. He served as Master of the Banjul Albert Market and has many years of good marketing and business management experience. His football experience, administrative and business skills bring him closer to the hearts of many football fans who regard him as perhaps one of the most deserving aspirants of the football top job. Adama Samba believes that the future of a bright footballing nation depends on the visions of the leaders who know and can feel football.

Do you know this about Modou Musa?

The Point Newspaper profiles the four persons who have been nominated for the Gambia Football Federation presidency. Here is the profile of the former Treasurer and 2nd Vice President of the Gambia Football Association (GFA) president Modou Musa. Modou Musa, currently the Managing Director of First International Bank (FiBank), is a former Gambian international player who played at all levels of the Gambian game from school to the national team. As a young man at Gambia High School, Modou Musa carved himself a reputation as a good footballer, and was soon a regular in the school team. An equally brilliant boy at academic work, Modou Musa’s passion for football grew alongside his class work and by 1974 when he completed school, he was already drafted by Augustinians to play in the national league. But it was at Starlight that Modou Musa reached his height in football, attracting a call from the national team where he played regularly from the late 70s to mid 80s after his studies in America. In the USA, Modou Musa played college football, excelling as good player even among people from different backgrounds. After graduating from the now Illinois University, Modou Musa returned home with his academic achievements in the briefcase and a much oiled pair of lethal football legs from college football and he naturally found himself back onto the national team starring and helping Gambia to reach the memorable Zone Two tournament in Banjul in 1985. That was perhaps Modou Musa’s last match for the team but his love for the game continued. At Bakau, where he comes from, Modou Musa was among the residents whose commitment, time and volunteerism in the local sports committee helped Bakau to become one of the best Nawetaan centres in the country. Using his background as a respected financial manager, Modou Musa supervised and managed the Bakau funds to start the first-ever fencing project of the Bakau football field. One of his starling achievements in Bakau football was when he succeeded in mending a bitter rift between Steve Biko and fellow Bakau side Sait Matty. The pleasant sight of the two taking joint pictures at stadium after a bitter row is still touching and fresh in many minds. Modou Musa then joined the GFA interim committee as treasurer in late 1992 until a new executive was elected headed by O.B Conateh in 1994. He was head of delegation of The Gambia’s Zone Two contingent to Sierra Leone in 1993, a team that proved a revelation, fighting all the way to the semifinals and restoring much confidence back to the Gambian game. It was at this time that the now very popular Super nawettan was initiated with Mr Musa and co-interim committee members pioneering this famous community football. After the elections that ushered in the O.B Conateh era, Modou Musa was retained as treasurer, and was elevated to second vice president eight years later under President Gabbie Sosseh. That regime is credited for the monumental foresight of creating the Under 17s, the Under 20s and the Under 23s under a first technical directorate headed by Musa Njie, a vision that brought unprecedented success for The Gambia at youth level. Mr Musa, now head of FiBank, is well respected for his strong management skills and good reputation as a man with strong business acumen and standing. If elected he would combine a huge experience of football administration and a distinguished professional experience as a finance manager to the service of Gambian football.

Do you know this about Seedy MB Kinteh

The Point Newspaper profiles the four persons who have been nominated for the Gambia Football Federation presidency. Here is the profile of the former Gambia Football Association (GFA) president Seedy Kinteh.

Kinteh became GFA president in December 2005 after serving as vice president in previous executives led by Omar Sey and Gabbie Sosseh.

A well-known figure in supporting football, especially Stave Biko of Bakau where he stayed, Seedy Kinteh is the patron of first division side Bakau United and the initiator of several Nawetan male and female clubs around the country.

He is a firm believer of grassroots football and a naturally gifted mobilizer of urban and rural youths towards sports, a feat that has made him extremely popular among rural youth.

His tenure of office was characterised by the dominance of African youth football by Gambia, the Under-17 team won the Nations Cup in Algeria in 2009, their second since 2005, and the Under-20 made it to the African and World cups.

Kinteh also presided over a time when the Scorpions under coach Paul Put inspired great hopes in the Gambian game with home victories and a famous draw in Dakar in 2008 which stopped Senegal from reaching the final phase of the World Cup qualifiers for 2010.

It was under Kinteh that The Gambia Football Association built a headquarters through Fifa Goal project as well as an artificial turf in Brikama with others planned at the Fifa technical centre in Yundum and other rural centres.

However Seedy Kinteh’s administration had often come under criticism for inefficiency and in March 2012 it was dissolved by the Sports minister and replaced by the Normalization Committee.

His supporters have since cried foul and accused the authorities of setting back progress in football. They have since called for his return in this month’s elections.

His candidature is the subject of a rowdy debate between football stakeholders with camps divided on whether he should come or not.

In an earlier interview, Kinteh, believed to control a large section of the regional electorate, had declined to comment while his supporters are doing the talking on his behalf.

They said his success at the GFA is unprecedented and he deserves another chance.

Screening of presidential aspirants to be done in fairness says a Lawyer

Cherno Marena on the right

The Point Newspaper reported that Cherno Marena, a legal practitioner and member of the Normalization Committee of the Gambia Football Federation, GFF, has assured football stakeholders and passionate followers of the Gambian game that the current screening of aspirants for the GFF presidency is being done with the strictest adherence to fairness and observance of the rules. Speaking on Afri -Radio’s popular sports show Monday night, Marena, himself a great football fan, said the panel of eminent persons set up by the NC to screen the aspirants comprises people with unquestionable integrity, and that they would use all available useful information at their disposal to vet each aspirant, as per the criteria and other relevant issues concerning the July 31 election process. Asked who the panelists are, Marena said the NC has elected not to identify the panelists, and will not interfere in their work, with a view to avoiding any pressure or suspicion in their work. “Once they completed the task and submit their task, their identities would be known,’’ he said. Asked for his views on the initial outcry by certain stakeholders over the Fifa recommended criteria, Marena said he was baffled that anybody should cry foul even at that stage, when nothing has been determined. ‘No one is accusing anyone of any anything yet, pending the completion of work by the vetting panel,’’ he said. Further asked to comment on the electoral process, Marena reminded stakeholders that this election shall be a secret ballot, and that there are 53 votes if all the regions, clubs and affiliate associations turn up. According to the constitution, if there are three candidates in the race, the one who received the least votes would be eliminated in the first ballot, and the one who received the most votes in the second, for example 50 percent plus 1, would be elected. At the moment, four persons Seedy Kinteh, Adama Halla Samba, Mustapha Kebbeh and Modou Moussa are those whose names have been submitted to the vetting panel. It is expected that the results of the screening would be known by today Wednesday, through a formal announcement by the NC.

Tijan Keita emerged 3rd but could not make the semi-final

By Sang MendyGambia’s 400m sprint athlete at junior level, Tijan Keita has failed to qualify to the semi-final of the World Youth Championship. Tijan emerged third but his name did not appear in the names of athletes that should run in the semi-finals. Tijan took to the tracks on Wednesday morning but his best was not good enough to see him progressed to the next stage of the Ukraine championship. His compatriot Wandifa Sanneh emerged fourth in his heats and also could not qualify to the next stage. According to the sprinter, “third position was good to qualify to the next stage of the championship but I don’t know why they disqualified me. After my race I did not see my time. All I know is, I came third and should have qualified,” Tijan told City Limits Mega Sports Bite. The lad said he sat for some time waiting to see if his name will appear with his timing but he did not see his name. “This is when I contacted my coach to go and see why my name and timing has not appeared. My coach went to complain and when he returned, he told me that the judges said I stepped on another person’s lane while I was running.” Asked whether he could not appeal his disqualification, Tijan said he could only do it with a fee of hundred dollars. Tijan said he is disappointed that he did not make it to the next stage of the championship but noted that it will also serve as an eye opener for him in subsequent competition.

GFF Elections to be hold 30days from nominations

The Vice chairman and Spokesperson of the Gambia Football Federation Normalisation Committee, Alhaji Omar Sey, has revealed that the planned GFF elective congress slated for June 29 will not hold but according to him it can only be held thirty days from June 27 2013 (a date set aside for nominations) as it is enshrined in the constitution. It was widely expected that the elective congress that should usher in an executive to run Gambian football in the next four years would be hold this weekend but according to the Daily Observer Newspaper, Omar Sey has confirmed that the congress will not be held as planned. June 27, is set aside for interested candidates to file in their nominations as contained on the GFF constitution thus giving the impression that election will be hold 27th July 2013. “Thirty days from that period we will have the congress. If we don’t have people to come to the election we cannot hold congress. It is not feasible now to hold the congress on Saturday because they have not completed but we are working very hard and as we speak I think about 80% of the regions have held their congresses”. Omar told Observer Sports. “Initially we said 29th June was to be the election date. However, as you know the regions are still working on forming their own national associations, who are the people who will be coming to vote at this election. When the seven regions complete their adoptive and elective congresses plus the coaches, referees, women, and schools, once they complete, we will now ask them to nominate” Sey said. However, the press statement released yesterday announced that nominations for the GFF Presidential election will open on Thursday the 27th June 2013.

NC remains mute over GFF elective congress date

By SANG MENDY The Normalisation Committee brought to normalise Gambian football is still tight-lipped over the holding of the much delayed elective congress.

The NC, last night issued a press release thanking all regions that have conducted their elections in view to level the ground for the much awaited congress but could not state whether the planned June 29 elective congress of the Gambia Football Federation, GFF, would be hold or not. However, the press statement released yesterday announced that nominations for the GFF Presidential election will open on Thursday the 27th June 2013. The statement neither confirmed that the congress would go ahead on June 29, nor did it give a new date for it. The press release further confirmed that the regional elections were peacefully conducted in all regions, and at least one affiliated association, the Schools Football Association also held its congress. Even though Kanifing Municipal Council held their own congress on Sunday, the press statement does not contain KMC and their elected president-Bakary Paco Dampha. Fact box or recognized associations going by the GFF Press statement Football Association President 1 Banjul FA Modou Sowe 2 West Coast Region FA Abdul Karim Sey 3 North Bank Region FA Momodou Mbessan 4 Lower River Region FA Wandifa Kinteh 5 Central River Region FA Numukunda Kanyi 6 Upper River Region Furu Gomez 7 School Football Association Martin Gomez The NC on the other hand use the press release to call on affiliated associations such the referees, players, female football and coaches associations, to conduct their elections and submit their officials by Thursday 28 June or risk not partaking in the decision making process of Gambian football. Going by the GFF press statement the following are urged to buckle up of left behind

1 Kanifing Municipal Council FA 2 Gambia Football Referees FA 3 Gambia Football Coaches FA 4 Gambia Football Players FA 5 Gambia Women FA In the same press statement the first and second division clubs were also urged to submit their club details such as list of officials, address and constitution to the secretariat on or before Friday 28 June, or they would not take part in the elective congress. Meanwhile, the NC thanked all those who participated in the placement of regional structures, adding that the regional football association would become functional once they are registered by the GFF.

Atlas Lions of Morocco eat up the sting less Scorpions of Gambia

By Sang Mendy A goal from Abdel Aziz Barrada and Yunus Belhanda was enough to see the atlas lions of Morocco eat up the sting less scorpions of the Gambia at the Marrakech Grand Stadium in Morocco. Barrada netted in the 4th minute while Belhanda had his in the 51st minute of the game. This means The Gambia conceded five goals in the spate of seven days after losing three nil to the elephants of Ivory Coast last Saturday at the Independence Stadium in Bakau. However, The Gambia had three clear chances, the best falling to the new FC Sion and gambia’s utility player, Pa Modou Jagne who blasted high a penalty in the 52nd minute when Sanna Nyassi was brought down in the penalty area. The other chances fall to Demba Savage and Ali Sowe. With the absence of Mamodou Futi Danso, coach Peter Bornu Johnson brought in Omar Colley to partner with Abdou Jammeh alias T-Boy. The duo was supported by Pa Modou Jagne on the left and Lamin Basmen Samateh on the right. In the second half, Bornu Johnson brought in Hamza Barry, Saloum Faal and Mustapha Jarju to bolster his attack but their presence posed no threat to the Atlas Lions of Morocco thus the match ended two nil. The Gambia remain rock bottom of the group with Ivory Coast in pole position followed by Morocco. Earlier on Sunday Ivory Coast showed their might by beating Tanzania 2-4 away. Tanzania are now third behind Morocco and above The Gambia who have turned to be the whipping boys of the group.

Bonu: “We can get a good result if we put up a respectable performance”

By Sang Mendy The Head Coach for the Scorpions of The Gambia, Peter Bornu Johnson have told the Media Officer of the Gambia Football Federation, Bakary B Baldeh that he (Bornu) is sure his boys can put up a respectable performance that can yield good results against Morocco on Saturday. Bornu who was speaking at his Golf Hotel Room on Thursday morning described his opponents, Atlas Lions of Morocco as a good side to respect because they are also in contention to qualify. He said the Scorpions are recovering very well from a long and tedious trip and according to him; “They are ready to do their best because they represent every Gambian in the qualifiers.” “The lads have freed themselves from the fatigue after the recovery training last evening which shall refresh them into the game on Saturday night,” Bornu told the GFF media officer. “We will fight tooth and nail to uplift ourselves from the bottom of the table.” He said, “With the determination and dedication shown by the lads, everything is possible.” Asked about the absence of two key figures in Momodou Ceesay and Mamadou Futi Danso, Bornu said, “Zico and Futi are key members of the squad but equally everybody in the team is key to me and with the absence of the two, there are suitable replacements for them.” “We are focus to come out and play all out for a desired result” Zico and Futi played for the scorpions on Saturday where the team lost three nil to the Elephants of Ivory Coast despite creating most of the chances but did not travel with the team to Morocco. The Scorpions are rooted at the bottom of the table with just a point while opponents Morocco are now on five points after beating Tanzania 2-1 over the weekend.

Scorpions jetted in Morocco without Zico and Futi

The Scorpions of The Gambia jetted in Morocco Wednesday morning, 12th June, 2013 ahead of their World Cup Qualifier against the Atlas Lions bill for Saturday 15th June in Marrakech. The team is without striker Momodou Ceesay and Mamadou F Danso. “The duo according to reports have been called by their respective sides for club engagements just after the weekend game in Banjul against Ivory Coast where the Scorpions lost three nil to the Elephants,” GFF Media Officer, Bakary B Baldeh stated in his first report from Morocco. The team left Banjul in the early hours of the morning via board Royal Air Maroc. The flight lasted three and half hours to arrive in Cassablanca. According to the media officer, the team was received at the airport by officials of the Morocco Football Federation alongside Malik Sillah a senior staff of the Gambian Embassy in Rabat. The team was later driven for a three hour journey to Marrakech where the Saturday qualifier is been scheduled to play. Bakary was quoted as saying that, "According to Head Coach Peter Bornu Johnson, the first training session for the team would be at 6pm when all the lads would have had a good rest after enduring from a tiring journey. The team is hosted at Hotel Du Golf."

Elephants break sting-less Scorpions into pieces

The Elephants of Ivory Coast strengthened their leadership in Group C after a convincing 3-0 win over the Scorpions of The Gambia on Saturday in Bakau, match day four of the 2014 World Cup qualifiers. It was a repeat of their first encounter in Abidjan in March, where the Scorpions were downed on the same mark by the Elephants. The game took off to the bright start for the home side who missed a goal mouth chance. But it took Anzhi Makhachkala’s striker Lacina Traoré 12 minutes to set the tone for the visitors.

Sabri Lamouchi’s men managed to hold onto their one-goal lead through the first half, before striking again just after the hour-mark, thanks to Ivory Coast new sensation, Wilfried Bony who tapped in from close range after Lasana Traore squares the ball into the six yard box.

While Gambia might have enjoyed most of the possession in the second half, experience had the last say with Ivorian play-maker Yaya Touré adding number three from a free-kick in the dying minutes of the game.

The Scorpions had numerous chances which all came begging thus cementing their position at the rock bottom of Group C where Ivory Coast leads with 10 points. Momodou Ceesay was a torn in the Ivorian defense while Sulayman Marreh and Tijan Jaiteh denied the Ivorian the possibilities of dominating the midfield. With now 10 points to their name after four matches, Ivory Coast could seal their qualification for the play-offs with a win when they take Tanzania in Dar Es Salaam next weekend. The Taifas Stars of Tanzania lost 1-2 to Morocco on the same night in Marrakech but are still second behind Ivory Coast with Six points while Morocco are on third position with five points.

Setting up regional football association not as smooth as thought

As Normalisation Committee intensify its work by attaching personnel of the GFF to regionsBy Sang MendyA media release from The Gambia Football Federation (GFF) has hinted that the Normalisation Committee is working with all the regions for the establishment of Regional Football Associations. The release stated that the regions are currently on a process of sensitisation and formulating of a roadmap for both the adoptive and elective Regional Congresses. Media Release: “Meanwhile, the GFF has started receiving reports from Interim Regional Committees on the progress they have made in getting clubs register with the Regions for the purpose of organising a congress to adopt their local constitutions. “In fact, the regions are now given an extended deadline (9th June-15the June) for the holding of both adoptive and elective congress. “In order to ensure that this process is completed soon, the GFF has designated Mr Ebou Secka as Desk Officer for the CRR, Bakary B Baldeh overseeing the LRR, Baboucar Jobe assigned for WCR, Ismaila Njie for the NBR and Dawda Barrow as Desk Officer for URR. “The Normalisation Committee is working diligently to fit in everything within the prescribed time in consultation with FIFA to ensure that the provisions of the GFF constitution are respected and adhered to. In this connection, whatever decision is finally reached, the stakeholders would be duly notified. This is why some provisions are been delayed. However, the Gambia Football Federation is working with FIFA to ensure that the provisions in the constitution are not violated and therefore, whatever comes out of its consultations with FIFA on the way forward would be duly notified to the relevant stakeholders.”Bloggers note: The bottom line is, with the pace at which setting up regional structures is going, can the June 29 elective congress really take place?

Omar Sey: “Bonu’s reappointment is nothing but his relationship with players”

By Sang Mendy

The Spokesperson of the Normalisation Committee, Alh Omar Sey has said that the reasons for elevating Peter Bonu Johnson as the head coach of the Scorpions and demoting Luciano Mancini is nothing but Bonu's relationship with the players.

The decision to elevate Bonu and demote Mancini came five days before the scorpions square up against Ivory Coast just as Bonu was relegated some days before The Gambia took on Morocco in May 2012.

Alh Omar Sey said: “Bonu has worked with most of these players when they were at youth level so we felt the players would better understand him than Mancini.” Asked if Bonu’s recent achievement with the U-19 in Italy is also a reason why they promoted him, Sey said that is just one of the reasons. He noted that Mancini has been in charge of two international matches without the required results so they decide to give Bonu a chance too. He however stressed that Mancini is not fired and but will be working under Peter Bonu Johnson as his immediate assistant. To listen Click on the link https://soundcloud.com/user2257496/alh-omar-sey-on-bonus

Foot-dragging in the nominations of the June 29 elective congress

The Point Newspaper today reported that nominations for June 29 elective congress are yet to be received by the normalization committee. The new Gambia Football Federation constitution stated that names of aspiring presidential candidates should be sent to the secretariat at least one month before the elections. But according to the Point Newspaper, no nominations were received at Football House as of Wednesday May 29 which marks one one-month prior to the stipulated election date. The Point reported that about half a dozen club representatives, mainly from Steve Biko, Bakau United among others, were seen worrying over nominations papers meant for submission on that day. However, according to the club officials, the GFF secretariat had informed them that the nominations could not be received as there is no instruction on that from the executive committee, most of whom are away attending a Fifa meeting. Contacted for clarification the assistant GFF secretary general, Ebou L. Secka, said the process of nomination could not go ahead because very important things relevant to the election process are not yet completed. “For example the regions are yet to fully elect their football association committee members and these are the people who are to vote in the elections on behalf of their respective regions. So I think all these are the things that must be done first as they are not yet completed,’’ he opined. Mr Secka added that the GFF will come up with an official explanation on the matter for the benefit of all stakeholders.

Late Max Jallow’s family thanks sympathizers

By Sang Mendy The family of the late Mamudou Max Jallow of Brufut, who passed away less than two weeks ago, hereby expressed their sincere gratitude and appreciation to all who sympathized with them on the death of their son, brother, husband and father. The gratitude and appreciation was also extended to The President of the Republic of The Gambia His Excellency Sheikh Professor Dr Alhagie Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh, Her Excellency the Vice President of The Gambia Dr Aja Isatou Njie-Saidy, The Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Alieu K. Jammeh, and the entire Cabinet. The Jallow family also extended the same gratitude to the Chairman of the National Sports Council, Mr Bun Njie, Staff of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, personnel of the National Wrestlers Federation, the Management and Staff of GRTS, Friends of The Gambia Association (FoTGA), the Gambian Community in Luton in the UK, Brufut Marathon Association, Sports Journalists Association, friends and well-wishers in The Gambia and abroad for their sympathy and support. The family said further: “As we continue to pray for his gentle soul to rest in perfect peace, we also pray that Allah the Almighty continue to abundantly reward and bless you for standing by us in this very difficult moment. Ameen!”

Mariama T Jallow and Samba Bah Sets record in UK and Sierraleone respectively

By Sang Mendy Mariama T Jallow has set a new record in the Bupa Great Manchester Run a week after finishing fourth in the Sheffield Marathon.

Mariama recorded 37.25 becoming the fastest female runner of her Orange Band which was classed as the fastest running group. Her orange group was more than 20 thousand runners. However, the overall female winner of the Bupa Great Manchester run came from the Elite female Runners of 10 whom the race organisers selected to run before Mariama T Jallow’s orange band. The Gambia can now celebrate the success of Mariama T Jallow as the female winner of the orange band at the Bupa Great Manchester run 2013. Hoja Secka also performed brilliantly as she recorded 44.25. The Gambia Volunteers Organisation, the organisers of Bajana Marathon in Foni Berefet district has taking The Gambia marathon runners to international level. Mariama T Jallow who runs for The Gambia Police Force and Hoja Secka who runs for The Gambia Armed Forces has fully represented The Gambia in the Bupa Great Manchester Run held on Sunday the 26th of May 2013 in the United Kingdom. In a separate development, Samba Bah and Alhagie Bah ran in Sierraleone Marathon organised by a UK charity, Street Child of Sierraleone. Samba Bah took 2nd and Alhagie Bah took 3rd position. Both Samba Bah and Alhagie Bah ran in Bajana Marathon and won medals and because of their participation in the Bajana Marathon, The Gambia Volunteers selected them to represent The Gambia in the Sierraleone Marathon. CEO of The Gambia Volunteers Organisation Roy Sanyang commended the Gambian Athlete for raising the Gambian flag high with pride and winning medals abroad. This is a big success for Gambian long distance runners and the whole nation should rally behind them on their return to The Gambia to support and encourage them. “I call on the ministry of Youths Sports and Culture, NGO, Banks, businesses and the general public to recognize the talent that these athletes has and to sponsor and them in any way they can. These athletes need sponsorship in order to keep our nation proud in international competition.”

High Court gives order on GNOC issue

The high court of The Gambia has issued an order in the civil case involving plaintiffs Sheriff Jammeh, Alieu Jallow and Jonny Gomez and defendants Peter Prom, Momodou Dibba and Beatrice Allen. According to the order presided over by Justice E.F. Mbai on Monday 27 May 2013, having heard the ex-parte motion moved by counsel for the defendants and having gone through the affidavit in support of the said motion it is hereby ordered that: 1. The order of the 23rd day of May 2013 made by this honorable court be stayed pending the hearing of the motion on notice; 2. That the meeting of the Gambia National Olympic Committee scheduled to be held on the 27th May 2013 be held as planned 3. That no steps be taken to exclude the organisations headed by the plaintiffs for the voter list. The Plaintiffs are to be served with this order. ID Drameh and MA Samba were present for the defendants when the order was made.

Gambia calls 16 foreign-based players to face Ivory Coast

By Sang Mendy

The Gambia Football Federation has invited sixteen foreign-based players to take on Ivory Coast in Banjul on 8 June 2013.

The list included two new inclusion in the person Mustapha Carayol who plays for Middlesbrough and Macoumba Kandji who plays in the Greece in the Second Division.

There some notable absentees in the persons of Tijan Jaiteh and Ousman Jallow who have been key players for the Scorpions.

These players will be blend with the few local based players to face Africa's highest ranked side in the FIFA Coco-Cola Ranking.

Normalisation Committee ask league clubs to submit their constitutions

By Sang Mendy The Normalisation Committee that was brought to normalise Gambian football has urged 1st and 2nd division clubs to submit their constitutions to the GFA not later than 15th May, 2013. The news was conveyed in a press release days after the constitutional Adoptive Congress held on Saturday, April 13, 2013. The release also stated that the Normalisation Committee is currently working on a way forward towards the elective congress in June as well as putting up Regional Football Associations.The release further stated that the Normalisation Committee of the GFA is on the process of appointing an interim committee to assist in the establishment of Regional Football Associations as contained in the just adopted GFA constitution. It would be recalled that the Normalisation Committee has set aside June 29, 2013 for the election of a new executive to replace the Seedy Kinteh led group who were kicked out of office by the minister of youth and sports Honourable Alieu K Jammeh.

Gilkock Football Academy receive Liverpool kits with smiles

By Sang Mendy Players, coaches and the management team of the Brufut based Gilkock Football Academy recently received kits donated by premier league clubs, Liverpool with smiles all over their faces. The donation which was made through Kit Aid was delivered by FOTGA’s country representative Madam Sukai Jallow at the academy’s training ground in Brufut. Receiving the materials on behalf of the academy, the technical director, Buba K Jallow thanked Liverpool through Kit Aid for donating the materials to his academy. “I am delighted that we received these materials. They mean a lot for us. We had materials from other donors before but this one from Liverpool through Kit Aid came at the time when we dare need it.” “So I must say that I am very happy receiving the materials.” The technical director however promised to put the materials into good use noting that the academy was just trying to issue training kits to the players. He also thanked Martin Myers for facilitating the acquisition of the materials. He described Martin as a good friend of the academy. For her part, Sukai Jallow who presented the materials to the academy said she is delighted to deliver these materials to the academy. She encourage the academy coaches and players to continue the good work they are doing in supporting the children to do what they like doing at their free time. She confessed she never knew the academy is doing such a good work and promised to keep looking for any form of assistance for the academy. About Gilkock Football Academy Gilkock Football Academy, Brufut branch, is a community based football academy geared towards developing the raw talent and skills of the youth players in Brufut and its surrounding and The Gambia at large. The Football Academy was founded on 17th November 2000, with around 200 players from Brufut, the surrounding villages and communities. The 150 players are divided into three categories, U-9, U-12's, U-15's and U-18's, now the academy has players as low as six years. Football has grown in many communities throughout the world and Brufut is no exception. The community has benefitted well from the game and has seen Ebrima Jatta (EJ) make the Gambian under 20's team and also compete in the FIFA Would Youth Championship held in Canada in 2007. Kissama Bojang made it to the 2009 Under 17 while Sainey Manneh played for the U-20 and U-23 at some level. Besides all these achievements, the academy produces players for the first and second division of the Gambian league. This has inspired many other youths in Brufut to take up football as a means to be successful. It is plain that footballers can earn a lot of money and children in Brufut shouldn't be left out. Football doesn't only bring in economic fortunes but also brings social development as well.

Oreme Joiner urges all-out campaign against Ivory Coast

SANG MENDY

The Head of delegation leading the Scorpions of The Gambia, Oreme Joiner has urged the scorpions of The Gambia to put an all-out campaign against the Elephants.

The head of delegation also warned that team to put up team spirit if they need to curb out a positive results on Saturday. He told the players to give out all what is required from them as directed by their coaches. “We have recognised your sacrifices and want to encourage you to continue the good work you are doing for your country.” Oreme Joiner gathered the team at their Abidjan hotel and delivered to them greetings from the GFA Normalisation Committee saying ‘the whole county is behind you.’ He told the Scorpions about the population’s support and calls prayers for their success. Mr Joiner felicitated the lads for their great work shown in Niger which according to him “is a great testimony of a good team work.” He added that the Normalisation Committee is not surprise of the score line gained at the friendly game because, “it is through your determination, dedication and self-belief you have in yourselves.” Mr Joiner told the Scorpions of the GFA’s efforts to map forward football to the best track. He announced that match allowances are all been paid and even players who have not been paid previous monies are also been settled out. The team arrived in Abidjan in the yesterday afternoon and had its first training session and is expected to test the main bowl of the Felix Houpheuot Boiny stadium tomorrow. The technical team is yet to disclose the Scorpions team list and formation. Source/Bakary B Baldeh, GFA Media Officer

Sabri Lamouchi: “Elephants will go all out on The Gambia”

Mancini on the other hand pledges to match the Elephants at all costBY SANG MENDYThe head coach of the Elephants of Ivory Coast, Sabri Lamouchi, has promised Ivoirians that he will employ an all-out attacking play against the Scorpions of The Gambia on Saturday at theFelix Houpheout Boiny Stadium. He however described the Scorpions of The Gambia as a tough opponent that would be hard to maneuver. The Franco-Tunisian leading Africa’s highly ranked country in the FIFA ranking made these remarks at a press conference on Monday at the Ivorian Football Federation headquarters in Abidjan ahead of his side’s World Cup qualifier against the scorpions of The Gambia. Lamouchi, who had a disappointing African Cup of Nations campaign with the Elephants said; “We will employ an all-out attacking play against the Scorpions.” “I want to win against The Gambia before our next two away games in Banjul and Dar-es-Salam, Tanzania, Lamouchi told the Ivorian Football Federation official website.” He added: “Gambia is a “difficult team to maneuver, so, “This will not be easy at all.” Lamouchi has called up 28 players for the game against Gambia which also includes four players that currently ply their trade in the Ivorian domestic Super League. Mancini pledges to counter the Elephants Meanwhile the scorpions’ head coach, Luciano Mancini said his side will play well against the Elephants of Ivory Coast. He said he is preparing an approach to counter the Elephants come on Saturday. Mancini made these remarks at the teams’ training camp in Niamey before his he and his technical side put up what probably could possibly be the starting line for The Gambia against the Elephants in Ivory Coast on Saturday. “We are going to play very well because it is important for the players.” “All of them are comporting themselves here at the hotel,” Mancini said. The Scorpions coach said all the boys are prepared for the game With the exclusion of Mustapha Toubabo Jarju and Ebrima Sawaneh among the few notables, talismanic forward Momodou Ceesay and Zaragoza youngster Saihou Gassama are among the roll calls for the Abidjan game. The Scorpions list is also boosted by the inclusion of Momodou Futi Danso, Sanna Nyassi and Abdoulie Ken Mansally who are all in good shape for the warm up against the Nigerien national side. Reports from Niamey have it that all the invited foreign based players called up for the qualifiers have arrived in Niamey and are in training together with the local lads. The Elephants lead Group C with four points from two games compared to Gambia’s solitary point. After this weekend’s encounter in Abidjan, the two sides will face off again in Banjul in June. Source: Ivorian FA website/GFA Media Officer

KuPS grabs Dawda Bah

Kuopio Palloseura be a future period ranks as one of the all-time toughest Kuopio, who played the foreigners. KuPS on Friday signed a one-year playing contract for 29-year-old multi-purpose kind of player in Dawda Bah. Gambia's national team plays Bah moves to yellow shirts in the German Bundesliga Augsburg, where he was in August 2011 was sold to the Helsinki Football contest. Bah won the Finnish championship seasons in 2009 and 2010 and the Finnish Cup in 2008 with HJK's. Bah will arrive in Kuopio in mid-March. The man has yet to pass a medical examination before an agreement will come into effect. According to a recent agreement, KuPS team is getting ready for League One season. Bah'n addition, as new face of KuPSissa seen in this season of experienced league players in the locker Rami Hakanpää , midfield Jussi Kujala and Gambia Omar Colley .

Minister Jammeh: “Distractors must step aside”

SANG MENDY The wrangling around football has left many Gambians frustrated and disappointed thus open discussions over where Gambian football is heading to. The latest to speak over the issue is the minister of youth and sports, Honourable Alieu K Jammeh. In a recent publication on the Daily Observer entitled minister jammeh discusses way forward for gambian sports the youth and sports minister said, the government of The Gambia have built very firm and strong relationships between both FIFA and CAF for the development of football in this country and as such they will not entertain ‘any distraction from anyone who will want to jeopardise those fruitful relations’. The minister told the Daily Observer that, “Whoever does not accept the reality as at now should simply excuse yourself and stand aside. “Our motivation is mainly for the development of the country and sports and football in particular and that is what His Excellency the President wants.” The youth and sports minister who dissolved the GFA executive led by Seedy MB Kinteh to the daily paper that he was to South Africa for the Nations Cup to hold meetings with the President of CAF, Mr Hayatou, to discuss on how to move as a country in the development of football and how CAF can help. He also stated that both FIFA and CAF are committed to support and CAF has agreed to send in their Technical Director to re-structure our Technical Directorate of the FA and also to provide financial assistance to support our decentralisation effort. He uses the occasion to assure the Gambian populace that the national football league will be played across the country and not limited to the Greater Banjul Area. Minister Jammeh said, “Hayatou has also given his firm commitment to support all our endeavours of supporting the normalisation of football in The Gambia and in reciprocating the relationship and his support to us, “I also took the liberty to inform him how much the president personally and his government cares about to uplift the standards of football in this country. “In addition, I assured him of our continuous complementing his efforts at any level and on any desire that he has on the development of football in The Gambia.”

Scorpions to face Mauritania in international friendly

Sang Mendy

The Scorpions of The Gambia will take on their Mauritanian counterparts in two international friendly matches. The two friendly matches are scheduled to take place on Wednesday 27th February and 2nd March, 2013 as both countries prepare for the coming Competitions.

The Gambia is in the 2014 qualifiers and will take on Ivory Coast next month while Mauritania hopefully will use the competition to prepare its players for the CHAN which is due soon. Mauritania will use these friendly matches as a way of gauging their level of preparation for other continental competitions following their withdrawal from all international competitions three years ago. The Mauritania National Football team (Maurabitones) are due to arrive in The Gambia on Sunday 24th February, 2013 and will play two international friendly matches against The Gambia National Football team (Scorpions). The warm ups will also avail both countries to further cement the already friendly ties between them. The last time Mauritania played in an international competition was in 2010 where they were grouped in Group eight against Rwanda, Morocco and Ethiopia for the 2010 African Cup of Nations. In that qualifier, Mauritania started with an away match at the Stade Regional Nyamirambo in Kigali, Rwanda on 31 May 2008. They lost 3-0 on front of 12,000 people. The first home match was on 7 June at the Stade Nacional in Nouakchott against Morocco. The Moroccans scored two in each half before a late penalty by Dominique da Silva of Mauritania made the game 4-1. Eventually the North African football association thought it is high time they withdraw from all forms of international competitions and concentrate on building a solid team for the future. What is not clear is that, will the scorpions team comprise of the home base players that are currently working with coach Luciano Mancini or some foreign base will be included hence The Gambias’ match against ivory coast is just at the corner.

Preview of the week

Will Real de Banjul continue to lead or will Armed Forces bring them down?

Well after looking at the way teams fare in the first two weeks; let’s look at the ties coming up over the weekend. Kicking off on Saturday we will start of the buildup in Brikama where Brikama United will take on Gamtel. Brikama United played two matches in their home ground and collected only two points while Gamtel, the FA cup champions played two and collected three points losing their opening match and winning their second match. The question is, will it be Tapha Manneh or Sulayman Kuyateh whose key men moved to other clubs? On the same day in Banjul, Real de Banjul leading the league table with 6points will host Armed Forces sitting on the opposite side of the table without a point. A win for Alagie Sarr means Real de Banjul will maintain top spot and a slip means other teams a can close the gap. On the other hand a win for the Khaki boys can boost the morale of the army side and a slip mean, they might be destine for the second tier of Gambian football though it is too early to state. Still on Saturday because Mike Toskeh and his charges will entertain Sang Ndong and his men at the Serekunda East Mini Stadium, a playing ground Mike Toskeh refer to as a farming ground. Toskeh came into The Gambian league with his coaching experience but will go head to head with The Gambias only A-license coach in the person of Sang Ndong. A win for Young African will put pressure on the league leaders, Real de Banjul. On the contrary, a slip means dropping to the mid table and allowing other teams to frog jump them. Sang Ndong and his Hawks side could not pick the maximum points in two matches. Will they pick their first three points on Young Africans on a ground Mike Toskeh and one of the founders of Young African, Father Gourgh refer to as a farming ground? Meanwhile, on Sunday at the Banjul Mini stadium, Interior who conceded the highest number of goals in week one but picked up a vital point in week two will take on their fellow returnees Seaview who collected two points out of two. Both sides have been in the second division and won promotion and would want to avoid going back to the second tier of Gambian football just after climbing to the top tier. As things stand, a win for both sides will be vital in their attempts to maintain themselves in the first division league but a slip will send shivers in their spines. It is the well learned Ebrima Manneh and upcoming Ousainou Njie who has picked a point against the only A-licensed holder. On the same day, at the Serekunda East Mini Stadium, Steve Biko will take on Samger; two sides known for playing beautiful football. Off the pitch, Jane Joof and Abdoulie Bojang are friends and have been praised for developing players from the grassroots level. They both worked with youth football and at a point in time they were both assigned to assist in the youth teams of The Gambia. One point separates the two sides so a win for either side means building on your team spirit. Samger collected four points in possible six and yet to taste defeat while Biko collected maximum points in week one but surrendered all in week two to the defending champions Real de Banjul. With coaches raising concerns about the nature of the pitch after two weeks of the Gamtel/Gamcel sponsored league, will the two sides entertain their spectators with their free flowing football, it’s a wait and see thing but I must confess it is also a game to watch. Rounding up week three, we preview another match to watch; GPA vs Bakau United. Both sides have equal points. They both won in week one but found wanting to lose their second matches thus sitting joint fourth with three points. Njuga Nurenn and Kebba Jespa Touray will lead their soldiers to the battlefield in Brikama on Sunday all wanting the maximum points to go their way. They both won their opening match but falter in their second match thus raising eyebrows as if their wins were fluke. They both need wins to convince their critics that it was not out of mistake they won their opening matches of the Gamtel/Gamcel sponsored league. Who will miss this mouth-watering clash the duck side club and seaside club from Bakau.

Real de Banjul lead, others follow

As the race to be crown champions gain momentum

Defending Champions, Real de Banjul picked up from where they left last season to sit on top of the league table after week two. On the contrary, last seasons’ runner up Armed Forces stayed rock bottom after losing two matches in a row in the start of the Gamtel/Gamcel sponsored division one league.

Week two of the Gamcel Gamtel sponsored first division league has left some teams wondering if they have a chance of being crown the champions of the first ever Gamtel/Gamcel sponsored league.

On the hand things are working well for Real de Banjul whose aim is to defend the title and put up a respectable performance at continental level.

The defending champions, Real de Banjul build on their win over Hawks to beat Abdoulie Bojangs Steve Biko in week two. The win over Biko saw the defending champions on pole position sitting comfortably with six points.

They are followed closely by Young Africans coached by Mike Toskeh, a German national. Young Africans and Samger are monitoring situations in the Real de Banjul camp and a slip up in week three and a win for either of the two sides, Young African and Samger, they can move to occupy top spot.

In the middle of the table sits four sides in GPA, Gamtel, Steve Biko and Bakau Uinted all on three points also keeping an eagle eye on the teams on top of the ladder.

Slightly down the bottom are two teams in Brikama United and returnees to the first division Seaview on two points each while in the relegation area, Hawks and Interior are all on one points and at the rock of the table are Armed Forces who were title contenders last season.

Defending champions, Zambia held by ten men Ethiopia

cafonline reports that Reigning African champions Zambia and Ethiopia served up an entertaining game that finished 1-1. It had everything a fan would wish for as the group C got underway in Nelspruit.

A missed penalty, player protest, petulant fans, defensive blunders, bad fouls, a red card on a stretcher , dribbling defenders and goals, the match had it all , the game had it all.Collins Mbesuma put the Zambians in front on the stroke of half time when latched on to a header into the gap by Isaac Chansa. The big striker reacted quickest and managed to beat the keeper. Reigning Africa champions Zambia were matched man for man by an enterprising and competitive Ethiopia side as Chipolopolo begun their title defence . From the last fifteen minutes of the first half and the entire second Ethiopia played with ten men after the first expulsion of AFCON 2013. Goalkeeper Jemal Tesew was red carded for taking out defender Lungu Chisamba after he broke through on goal. Rushing out of his goal Tesew‘s challenge with both legs high up and dug into Chisamba’s midriff leaving the two players lying injured.Tesew was shown the red card while being carried out on the stretcher but up until then Ethiopia had match Zambia man for man and could have taken the lead in the 24th minute after being awarded a penalty. A clumsy challenge by Chisamba on Saladin Said led to the sport kick but Said’s effort was well saved by ever alert Kennedy Mweene in goal for the champions.After a cage start littered with some comical defending the game kicked into life with Zambia shading the exchanges and pressing the opponents.The Walya Antelopes were full of running and impressed with their hard work on and off the ball and grew in confidence in the second half once they accepted their first choice goalkeeper’s fate. Their determination paid dividends when captain Adane Girma eqiualised in the 65th minute after some good work from substitute, Addis Hinsta who found Said who in turn played in Girma and the striker shot past Mweene to send the colourful Ethiopian crowd into joyous rupturesThe goal galvanized ten men Ethiopia and an open game with action from one end to the other ensued. Zambia seemed shell shocked to be pegged back and when captain and usually reliable goal scorer Chris Katongo was substituted it looked like it would not be maximum points for Zambia.The chances at both ends did not produce further goals and it ended up a match of two halves where Zambia bossed the first and ten men Ethiopia were in ascendancy in the second.

Sports News

Lama: Angola must peak at the right time

cafonline reports that Angola keeper, Lama (Luis Mamona Joan) said they need to peak at the right time at this year’s 2013 Orange Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.Angola will meet hosts, South Africa at the Durban’s Moses Mabhida Stadium in a key match that might shed some light on the destination of Group A.The Petro Luanda goalkeeper is optimistic that they can mount a strong challenge in their group.“We started this tournament with a draw (against Morocco on Saturday night). We need to prepare our minds for the next game against South Africa. For us, it is important that we peak at the right time in this event,” Lama said.The keeper was instrumental in keeping Angola in the game when they played Morocco at the National Stadium on Saturday night. He pulled a number of stupendous saves that kept his side in the game.The draw might have been a fair reflection of the game, but it did not help Morocco nor Angola in setting the tone in what is likely to be a tightly-contested sprint in Group A. South Africa – Angola’s next opponents – might not have played a great game against Cape Verde, but by their admission, it was not a productive day for Bafana Bafana.In front of the home crowd in what is expected to be a sold out match at Moses Mabhida, South Africa will be potent.“South Africa is a good team. I did not watch their game against Cape Verde, but I know they are a quality side. They have done well in African before, they have experience. For us, we have to play well and finish our chances. We need to win this game,” Lama said.Group A teams; Angola, Cape Verde, Morocco and South Africa are all on one point. With two games left for each side, it is still anyone’s guess as to who will claim the kudos in this group.All the sides will be in action on Wednesday night at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. South Africa will play Angola at 17h00 while Cape Verde will clash with Morocco at 20h00.

Raining stones left a sports journalist injured

Daily Observer reported that a senior reporter Alieu Ceesay was left in severe pain after he was hit by a stone thrown into the pitch by fans of the Sukuta Zonal team after their quarterfinal defeat to Banjul on Sunday. The violence according to the Observer report erupted at the end of the game at the Serekunda Mini-Stadium also left dozens of people sustaining injuries. Ceesay said he was hit by the stone on the head while he was conducting a post-match interview. Banjul narrowly defeated Sukuta 1-0 courtesy of Mutarr Sugufara’s 25th minute goal that saw the city-based side secure a place in the last four of the competition at the expense of the West Coast Region outfit. According to our reporter, the Sukutarians tried to level the scores but could not find the back of the net. “The saga started during the game as fans who we could not say where they belong to were heard insulting the central referee for being unfair and for bad officiating. “The additional time after the full 90 minutes also added salt to injury, as according to the Sukutarians, the added time was too short considering the time-wasting during the game, particularly by the city boys goalkeeper,” he added. After the final whistle, Sukuta fans started throwing stones, and despite efforts by the Police Intervention Unit to restore order, the violence continued. It would be recalled that Sukuta together with Bakau were earlier on fined by the Super Nawettan Committee following a fracas thaterupted after Sukuta stunned Bakau 2-1 at the Serekunda West Park.

Ten-man Gambia held Angola to a one all draw

The Scorpions of The Gambia who played virtually 80 minutes of the game came from behind to level the scores against Palancas Negras of Angola on Saturday 15th December, 2012 in front of home fans at the Ombaka stadium, Benguela, Angola. Despite playing with ten men, the scorpions push forward for an equalizer which came quarter way into the second half through GPA’s Saloum Faal. Saloum connected to a long pass from Christopher Allen whose ball drops in between two Angolan defenders. Saloum collected the pass and runs athletically to slot at the bottom left corner leaving goalkeeper Luis Mamona Joao desperate.Angola despite dominating possession could only score from a spot kick when defender Foday Saidy parried an ensuing goal with bare hands thus forcing the referee to send him off and award a penalty to the Palancas Negras. Amandio Felipe Dacosta converted the kick to send the home side ahead 13minutes into the play. The Gambian technicians Mancini and Bonu immediately reacted to Foday Saidy’s expulsion by introducing defender Antou Badjan to strengthen the back while Modou Jallow moved to replace Modou Lamin Sawo in the upright centre just a little behind Hamza Barry. Angola’s Bartolemou who trades his football in Brazil continued to provide the lovely assists for dreadlocks Adriano Nicolaus who mesmerizes the Abdou Jammeh defence but only Emmanuel Gomez could dispossess him a little. Adriano spoiled for the second time two clear scoring chances one with a coiling header that aroused spectator applause. As the clock ticks faster, the Palancas Negras continued to pose threats at Scorpions defence a lose effort for T-Boy when he sluggishly placed the ball to his opponent but Alhagie Jobe’s finger tip saved it and a corner lessened the Scorpions worries for an added goal. The Gambia resumed business with substitutions in Christopher Allen to replace Toldo who complained of neck stiff while nimble footed Dawda Sisoho could only replace Ousman Sillah whose performance on the night was only a nightmare. Midfielder Hamza Barry runs through from the centre to upfront but for many a time, the lad was easily stopped and lazily falls to the ground. The match finally ended one all. Scorpions Head Coach Luciano Mancini at post match interview said the local team needs commendation as they have put up a brave fight against Angola. He said the match is very important for both countries and that he is happy about the performance of the young lads. Quizzed about the hand ball that resulted to the sending off his defender Foday Saidy and eventual penalty shoot, the Italian born coach said, “t’s part of football.”

Mancini names starting line up against Angola

B B Baldeh Scorpions’ technical team under Coach Luciano Mancini has named its 11 start ups to square off against the Palancas Negras tonight at the Ombaka National Stadium. The Scorpions who would be dressed in all white away jerseys have Modou Jobe (Toldo) at goal to be sealed at the back by Foday Saidy of GPA, Emmanuel Gomez of Samger, captain Abdou Jammeh(Kazma) and left winger Omar Colley who trades with Real De Banjul. Matarr Nyan and Momodou Lamin Sawo of Brikama United takes center stage while GPA darling star Hamza Barry moves up a bit behind Sawo and Matarr. Brikama United’s Modou Jallow alias Figo and Saloum Faal pegs at the right and left flanks respectively for lone striker Ousman Sillah who completes the starting call up. This allows goal keeper Christopher Allen to watch from the bench with marverick defender Demba Sanyang combined with Antou Badjan who over the period enjoyed international call ups from GPA Former coach Peter Bornu Johnson. Bakau United’s Amat Njie and Bubacarra Sanneh will also sit on the bench. After information that Gambia’s newest prospect Sulayman Marreh’s plan to joining the team in Angola from Portugal failed, Matarr Nyan and Momodou Lamin Sawo would do the first half job. Dawda Sisoho with his hard hit foot could be the perfect replacement for Ousman Sillah at upfront for any likely substitution .

The Gambia face Angola in Benguela today

Bakary B Baldeh

The Scorpions of The Gambia will at 7pm take on the Palancas Negras on Saturday 15th December, 2012 in an international friendly organised by the two friendly countries. The second of such matches between both countries will take place in Benguela City 45 mins flight from capital Luanda. The Gambian team arrived early afternoon at 1300hrs local time. Coach Mancini and his charges then drove to Ombaka stadium for its first training session. The 35,000 capacity stadium is expected to be filled with fans to watch their 2013 nation’s cup finalists hone their skills against The Gambian local filled in squad. Speaking to Reporters from the Angolan TV, Gambian Head of delegation Ebou Secka expressed delight about the invitation to play Angola in preparation for their Nation’s Cup championship. He said the friendly will also avail The Gambia chance to prepare for its World Cup qualifier against Ivory Coast later schedule for March 2013. Assistant Secretary thanked Angola Football Federation for their warmth and active role in receiving The Gambian team and delegation. He finally assured their host of Gambia’s readiness to forge closer ties with Angola for the mutual benefits of both countries saying ‘ we are a new team and starting a process of building a local based side, and do hope that the friendly match will give us lessons to learn from you’. Also speaking to the Press crew at the team hotel was FAF Vice President Mr Joao who was at hand to receive the Gambia at the Luanda International Airport...Mr Joao said The Gambia and Angola are now friends not only in football but many areas of cooperation. He singled out the friendly as a very important day for FAF since the Palancas Negras would be taking in the 2013 CAN championship in South Africa. The Scorpions later drove to the Ombaka stadium for their first and only training session of the day. Head Coach Luciano Mancini and assistant Peter Bornu Johnson coached the lads while Abdou Jammeh (T-Boy) standby captain blazed the trail on the pitch. The match kicks off at 1900hrs local time at the Ombaka National Stadium in Benguela. Ombaka was one of the stadia for the 2010 CAN championship hosted by Angola

Scorpion off to play Palancas Negras

Youth and Sports Minister urges the home base Scorpions to work hard ahead of their departure to face Angola who are preparing or the upcoming 2013 African Cup of Nations in South Africa while the Gambian side prepares for the 2014 world cup qualifier against Ivory Coast. The Scorpions of The Gambia left Banjul this morning for Angola to pitch their strength against the Palancas Negras in an international friendly. The Gambian team and delegation flew out from Banjul in the early hours of Friday.

The two sides of contrasting interest will take on each other on Saturday 15th December, 2012 at Lubango National Stadium. The clash is part of preparations for The Gambia’s 2014 World Cup qualifying matches sometime in March while the Angolans will use the game to fine-tune for their Group “A” 2013 Africa Cup of Nation matches in South Africa. The Scorpions Head Coach Luciano Mancini and his technical staff in their process to building a home based national team have put up an array of local based stars to challenge the Palancas Negras. Meanwhile, on the teams’ last training session at the independence stadium, the minister of youth and sports Hon. Alieu K Jammeh called on the boys to bid them farewell. In his farewell message the minister urged the boys to be steadfast and give it their best as the approach has changed. “We all know that you are the team we are banking on for future competition so I urge you to have a great fighting spirit and also the determinations to take improve the yourselves,” the minister told the boys. Minister Jammeh also challenged the boys to be good ambassadors of The Gambia in this international friendly. The Gambian team and delegation would be expected back home on Sunday 16th December, 2012.PLAYERS AND OFFICIALS 1. Christopher Allen GPA 2. Modou Jobe Real De Banjul 3. Antou Badjan GPA 4. Bubacarr Sanneh Real De Banjul 5. Omar Colley Real De Banjul 6. Sulayman Marreh Samger 7. Saloum Faal GPA 8. Dawda Sisoho GPA 9. Modou Jallow Brikama United 10. Hamza Barry GPA 11. Matarr Nyan Gamtel 12. Emmanuel Gomez Samger 13. Demba Sanyang Steve Biko 14. Momodou Lamin Saho Brikama United 15. Foday Saidy GPA 16. Abdou Jammeh Kazma 17. Ousman Sillah Wallidan 18. Amat Njie Bakau United 19. Ebrima Secka Head of Delegation 20. Bakary B Baldeh Media Officer 21. Luciano Mancini Head Coach 22. Peter PB Johnson Asst Coach 23. Alhagie Marong G/K Coach 24. Kalifa Manneh Doctor 25. Sanna Bojang Kits Manager

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Alieu K Jammeh; FIFA Rep, Primo Calvalho; 2nd vice chair of the Normalization Committee, Alh. Omar Sey and the rest of the Normalization Committee members looked sad and disappointed that delegates adopted the draft constitution but with series of amendments which to them is not for the interest of football development.

The minister said: "I'm Very disappointed that delegates chose to amend a constitution that has all facets and features of development by bringing in what is not practice anywhere in the world."

Primo said: "To be honest i'm sad and disappointed that your delegates loose sight of what we suggested to them. They amend is what is good for football development bring back the old system that pays no attention to regional football. To me, i can't get this. I'll report back to my bosses when i return to Zurich and see what comes up for The Gambia."

Omar Sey on the other hand said: "We have done our bit by trying to bring football to the doorstep of everyone which was not the case before but the delegates amended that portion and many more. I'm disappointed because after been labelled as People who are trying to favour Banjul, we came up with constitution that will allow football to be played equally in The Gambia. The delegates thought otherwise so we've until March to allow a congress so that an elected body can come carry on from where we stop. To be honest i'm disappointed."

Food for thought-Super Nawettan

Could the zonal championship be The Gambia’s premier league considering the passion, support money and energy put into it by all zones Sang Mendy

Super Nawettan Championship dubbed Zonal Championship is the most followed sporting event in The Gambia. It is where people show commitment to their respective zones competing in this championship. With the recent increment of zones, the competition has become more and more interesting, entertaining, competitive, organized and even more lucrative. Passionate fans follow their zones to anywhere they go for a match, players show total commitment and determination for their zones and officials spend the money they generate from their annual summer football jamboree called Nawettan which gives birth to the Super Nawettan. There are stakeholders who also play an important role in this competition; they are the journalists. The level of support is always electric as all zones parade a troop of supporters drumming, singing and dancing thus making the environment euphoric. The electric support coming from the fans who surround the four corners of the stadia ginger the footballers to put up their best possible performances. Journalist from both print and electronic media and sometimes bloggers trip to venues where these matches are played not only or report but to support “si-pet” meaning in heart. Well, for some emotional journalists sometimes they are spotted jumping in jubilation when they zonal teams create chances or score while you can read total agony from some journalists when their zones lose or the referee falters against their zones. Such attitude leaves football officials and spectators pointing finger to the men of the microphone and pen labeling them as partisans and not men and women in duty. It is always very interesting to know that upcoming coaches are employed to take charge of their respective zones. Visible in most case is seeing senior coaches standing behind their zone’s technical bench invoking their observations in order to win over their opponents. Not only do they stand behind the bench, they also send text messages or invade the dressing room during lemon break. How about the men in black now in multi-colours (the referees)? They are always in the center of things and are not only under pressure from the players, coaches, fans but also from officials of the respective zones. As this year’s zonal championship draws near, what role will you be playing? Which zone do you belong to? Do you think your zone will make a mark? Who are the players to watch? What is your advice? Would you prefer the zonal championship to be the country’s premier league? What are your reasons? It’s your game, our country our world so let’s keep talking?

Two more inclusion to the NC

Gambians including the Ministry of Youth and Sports have been worried over the lack of bodies to steer the change envisaged since Seedy MB Kinteh and team were ousted. The Normalisation Committee instituted by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Honourable Alieu K Jammeh was barely run be the chairman Alhagie OB Conateh and his immediate assistant Alhagie Omar Sey; two individuals heard and seen when it mattered thus prompting questions of their ability to implement the transition in football. With an extra six months added to their mandate, the Normalisation Committee of The Gambia Football Association (GFA) in a meeting unanimously agreed to incorporate the chairman of the Gambia Referees Association, Mr Lamin Camara and the president of the Gambia Football Coaches Association, Mr Pa Suwareh Faye as newest co-opted members to the Normalisation Committee with effect from Thursday 15th November, 2012. Mr Camara and Faye’s immediate inclusion in the Normalisation process stems from the ardent desire of the Executive to beef up the membership and open up to more ideas in order to bring about a clear and realistic change in Gambian football. Besides, the committee deems it fitting as well to replace the vacuum of former committee member Cherno Barra Touray who is now on international and state assignment. With so much work to be done in the normalisation process, the introduction of Camara and Faye is expected add impetus and speed up realisation of the committee’s aims and objectives hence the duo’s have a vast knowledge in football related matters.

Pele or Messi; who is the best?

Barcelona's Lionel Messi scored his 75th and 76th goals of 2012 against Mallorca on Sunday to surpass Pele's record for goals in a calendar year. Sixty-four of those were for Barca and 12 for Argentina and he is closing in on the record of 85 set by German Gerd Mueller in 1972 - Barcelona have nine more matches this year and Argentina two. He bagged 50 goals in La Liga last season, smashing Real Madrid forward Cristiano Ronaldo's record of 40 from the previous campaign, and was top scorer in the Champions League for an unprecedented fourth straight edition. The 25-year-old, who recently became a father for the first time, is favourite to claim a fourth consecutive World Player award when the winner is announced in January. This latest feat strengthens Messi's claims to be the equal of Pele, who is still generally considered the greatest player of all-time. Pele has been slow to recognise Messi's achievements, pointing out that the Argentinian has yet to replicate his club form on the international stage. Last year, Pele said: "Nobody did what Pele did. Being champion of the world at 17 years old, won three World Cups, scored more than 1,208 goals - only him! Then until now, nobody did this... to me, Pele is the best." Here is Opta's analysis of Messi's goals scored in La Liga and the Champions League. It does not include his 12 goals for Argentina or his four in Spanish Cup competitions.

Equatorial Guinea triumph over Bayana Bayana to lift AWC

Equatorial Guinea have won the 8th edition of the African Women Championship after crushing the Bayana Bayana of South Africa 4-0 this Sunday in the final. After 2008, this is the second title for the hosts who take over from last year’s champions, Nigeria. The Super Falcons lost to Cameroon 0-1 in the third place match.

This weekend’s final saw Equatorial Guinea securing a 1-0 lead in the first half through, Gloria Chinasa. Upon resumption, Amantiga made 2-0 before Genoveva Anonman came in with the third goal. Chinasa came again in the 72nd minute to put the final nail on their counterparts’ coffin. The Bayana Bayana fail to win their maiden title of the competition as they receive the silver medal for the 4th time. It should be noted that throughout this year’s edition, the hosts, Equatorial Guinea scored 18 goals and conceded none.

NC meet club reps to discuss draft constitution and proposed calendar

Football clubs in The Gambia meet the Normalization Committee (NC) of The Gambia Football Association (GFA) over the weekend to discuss the draft constitution and proposed GFA calendar. The meeting of football stakeholders was the first since the normalization’s tenure in office was extended by the world governing football body, FIFA a GFA press release stated. Speaking at the meeting the release stated, The Chairman of the constitutional Review Committee who doubles as the spokesperson of the Normalization Committee, Alhagie Omar Sey said the constitution that is in place now adequately reflects what is on the ground and also encourage football at all levels. “The new constitution is tailored in such a way that it is realistic and prepares a framework for technical, administrative and development to ensuring that no part or region will have dominance over the other. This is what the draft constitution entails with its basic fundamental principles all over the world especially in Africa” he said. He concluded that the new initiative is to decentralize Gambian football in all cadres. Several weeks ago, there was talk about the need to change the from going by the name The Gambia Football Association to The Gambia Football Federation. On the proposed named, club representatives suggested that the name be remained to its original form until congress adopts the draft constitution. Other articles of the constitution were also discussed among them Membership, Powers of the Executive, Election and Dissolution. Also speaking at the meeting the release went on was the Chairman of the Normalization Committee Alhagie OB Conateh. Conateh said, “it has long been a complaint from stakeholders that a Calendar be prepared to guide the programmes of the Gambia Football Association and its satellite committees, so the Normalization Committee has now draft a calendar for the perusal of the clubs so that together, stakeholders in football can make headway to the growth and development of Gambian football.” The Calendar according to the press release caters for the beginnings and ends of all summer football competitions locally called Nawettans in the recognized GFA zones, the start and end of league matches and as well for Regional Leagues. The Constitutional Review Committee the release ended will meet soon to finalize the draft constitution for onward sending to FIFA. The meeting was attended by representatives from all league clubs.

George Gomez briefs the press on his handbook on Gambian Football

A renowned sports administrator, Mr. George Gomez has informed the press that he has authored a handbook he called ‘The Milestones of Gambian Football’. The handbook according to the former Executive Director is not the history of Gambian football, but rather a collection of events that happened in the past. He also noted that the book will help to promote and support the game in the country. Though George stated that his book is not the history of Gambian football, he also pointed out that the book talks about how football started in The Gambia, where was it played, who and how it was played when league football started in the country; when the first international match was played; and, how many teams played in the national league since it started in the early 1940s, and many more.

The book also addresses the achievements and lessons to learn from our international pursuits with the U17, U20 and the recent U17 women’s team.He pointed out that his book also features infrastructure development, technical aspects, technology, that have taken place in the game since it started in The Gambia. George: “This book is meant to be a reference point for journalists and scholars that are interested in sports, especially football in The Gambia.” Speaking at the press conference the Executive Secretary at the National Sports Council, Mamodou Max Jallow said the handbook will go a long way in helping future generations know the history of Gambian football and urged other Gambians who have been into sports to emulate George by also writing on other sports hence The Gambia need written records about its sports. He commended George for taking a bold step adding that this was not the only book Mr. Gomez has written. Alagie Babou Sowe who according to the author contributed to the book said veterans have a role to play in football development just as it is in other parts of the world. Alhagie Babou Sowe described Mr. Gomez as indefatigable.

Inactive Scorpion saw The Gambia drop in FIFA ranking

The Gambia is ranked 42nd in Africa and 142nd in the world contrary to the October FIFA Coco-Cola ranking. The latest ranking was reveals on Wednesday and it showed The Gambia dropping 11 places in the world and four places in Africa. The Gambia instead of improving its’ status in the monthly world and African ranking continued to dropped. The Scorpions that was once 24th in Africa has continued spiraling down the ladder in both Africa and the world; something that rings a bell to all football lovers. This piece of news does not go down well for many football pundits some of whom squarely put the blame on the GFA. Pa Saikou Ceesay, student at the MDI, said; “it is high time the GFA consider having our national team play during the FIFA calendar dates.” “Unless we have a football association that is have a plan of how to engage our national team, we will continue to drop in the monthly ranking,” Buba Ceesay, a teacher. Suntu Jawo, a petty trader said; “since the ministry intervened in football, nothing has been going on well. We don’t know what is happening. Things are at a standstill and now we have continued to drop in the monthly ranking. It’s about time they do something because if not it would be hard to have countries grant us friendly matches in the future.” Ivory Coast remain top in Africa and have risen one place globally to 15. The biggest movers were Niger, who leapt 30 places to 107 in the world.

Ex-Scorpions player - I’ve come to make a difference in Gambian football

An ex-Gambian international footballer, Dodou Loum has expressed his desire to change Gambian football. Loum made these remarks when he visited the country vice president and minister of women’s affairs, Dr Isatou Njie Saidy in state house. According to the ex-international his desire is to work with collaborate with the Ministry of Youth and Sports and other football stakeholders in the country, by injecting new ideas into Gambian football. Loum said he would bring people with vast experience in football from Sweden to work hand-in-glove with the Ministry of Sports and other stakeholders in football to get the ideas implemented. “We are here to help the Gambian youths for the development of Gambian football,” he remarked. He also said he went through a lot of difficult situations whilst playing for the country’s national team. “When I think about the past, I said I have to come and make a difference,” he added. Loum who resides in Sweden said he is currently working as a coach, and as football scout for a particular football agency.

Ex youth and sports PS arrested, detained and released on bail

Reports monitored on the Daily Observer states that the former Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Mambanyick Njie, was arrested and detained by the police on Tuesday and released the following day on bail. Observer mentioned that in confirming the news, Cadet ASP David Kujabi, the Public Relations Officer of The Gambia Police Force (GPF), said that Mambanyick’s arrest was in connection to a petition he [Njie] wrote to the Office of the President against the GFA. He said that some of the information contained in the said letter was not true. Kujabi further stated that the former permanent secretary is currently charged with giving false information and will appear before a court of law any time from now. “Njie is now granted bail by a Gambian surety with a title deed,” he added.

Gambia move towards sustaining sports

Youth and sports minister inaugurates a committee to establish sustainable and proper framework for developing sports in The Gambia The minister of Youth and Sports, Alieu K Jammeh has presided over the inauguration of the Committee on Establishing Sustainable and Proper Framework for Developing Sports in the Country. According to Hon Jammeh the committee is tasked to help establish a proper framework for developing sports in The Gambia. Speaking at the inauguration ceremony held at the Board Room of the Independence Stadium Jammeh said the establishment was inspired by a fruitful discussion that ensued during the recent National Dialogue on Sustainable Sports Development. Minister Jammeh explained that he has great trust and confidence in the Committee which according to him comprises distinguished personalities of impeccable character and vast knowledge on different fields of discipline to help establish proper framework for developing sports in the country. The minister revealed that the Committee is tasked to develop a comprehensive school sports programme, propose principles on sports governance and administration for the running of national sports associations, provide framework on the decentralization of sports and sporting activities to the grassroots/regions, and supervise the much needed leadership transition of all major national sports associations/committees to a new generation of leaders and administrators. The Committee will also establish a clear line of relationship and partnership between Government, National Sports Council, National Sports Associations, Gambia National Olympic Committee, Gambia National Paralympic Committee and International Sports Federations and suggest ways and means of providing sustainable funding for sports development. Minister Jammeh went on to state that the Committee will be in place for an initial period of six months with possible extension. “For a start the committee will focus on six types of sports. These sports types will be Basketball, Volleyball, Table Tennis, Athletics, Handball and Football. Already work on football restructuring is progressing very well as we all know. Nonetheless, the Committee will specifically look how football and the other five can be well integrated in our schools with sufficient facilities,” he explained. The call for Gambians to look at school sports has now become a song on the ears of every Gambian thus prompting Minister Jammeh say that competitions at the schools can help to serve as a tool for discovering talents that would represent the country in future. He reassured that government will continue to both spearhead and enable interventions in this respect. Members of the Committee include Alpha Khan as chairman, Anna Dibba (State Counsel), Muhammed Jallow (MOBSE), Governor Lamin Sanneh and Samba B. Jallow (MOFEA) – as members, while Fabakary Touray (NSC) will act as their secretary.

Article 5 of the GFA constitution outline clear objectives

As the constitution states that the GFA has to administer, develop, promote, control and regulate all forms of Association football throughout the territory of The Gambia For football to grow effectively in The Gambia there must be a standing body responsible to administer, develop, promote, control and regulate football activities across the country. And this heavy task is vested on The Gambia Football Association (GFA.) Chapter five of the constitution has mandated the GFA to among a host of things encourage the development and promotion of football at national level in a spirit of fair play; organize football competitions in all its forms at national level and defining precisely the areas of authority conceded to the various leagues under it. Under the same chapter it reads that it’s the GFA’s mandate to regulate the status of players and the provisions for their transfer, as well as questions relating to these matters, in particular the encouragement of player training by clubs. While many Gambians continue to be confuse as to whose responsibility it is to organize football matches for our national teams, chapter five of the constitution states that it is the GFA’s responsibility to control and supervise all official friendly international football matches played throughout the territory of The Gambia. In this segment there is nothing as funding but many argue that the funding of the national teams is solely the responsibility of government. Meanwhile, the constitutions further states that the GFA must draw up regulations and ensure their enforcement; monitor and supervise all Nawettan football played throughout The Gambia. As it is the GFA’s responsibility to develop and promote friendly relations between The Gambia and sister Football Associations of CAF, FIFA and WAFU; the GFA must also assume membership and ensure effective participation in CAF, FIFA, WAFU, and similar Football Organizations created in pursuance of similar objects; There is a rampant cry for the lack of infrastructure across the country; something visibly spotted out at the national dialogue on sustainable sports development. However it is also visibly clear that it is the GFA’s responsibility to acquire by lease or otherwise, any land, premises or property anywhere in The Gambia for use as a football Field and to build or otherwise provide recreational facilities including boarding and other conveniences therein, and to maintain the same and to permit the same to be used by members of the Association gratuitously or for payment. As the game of football is believe to a game that should bring people together rather than separate them, the constitution mandated the GFA to develop and promote football as a means of fostering social integration and moulding the character of the youth in The Gambia in accordance with the Laws of the Game and the spirit of fair play. The need for GFA to go back to the schools to produce the school boy international that the gambia once had has been a song in recent time. On the whole it is the GFA is tasked by the constitution to cooperate with the educational authorities in the promotion of football in educational Institutions. The GFA article five still insists is responsible for ensuring that its members comply fully with the Statutes, Regulations, Directives and Decisions of the organs of FIFA. In the GFA members to comply with all that, members must know the FIFA regulations, status, directives and decisions. Preparing and ensuring the participation of the various National teams in international competitions organised by FIFA, CAF and WAFU is also under the mandate of the GFA as enshrined in article five of the GFA constitution. However, the previous GFA under the leadership of Seedy MB Kinteh have been praised by many for registering as many as four national teams in the various international competitions but have been blamed for ill preparations of these national teams. Doping is rocking sports left, right center, therefore, the constitution of the GFA has mandated the GFA in article five to fight against doping and prevent all methods or practices which might jeopardise the integrity of matches or competitions or give rise to abuse of Association football. Capacity building is key for the growth and development of any institution therefore; article five of the constitution asked the GFA to formulate policies for the control, training and development of Referees, Coaches, Football Administrators and Medical Officers. As an umbrella body, it is the GFA’s responsibility to settle disagreements between its members or persons connected either directly or indirectly with the association as specified in the Constitution and do anything which is in the interest of football in The Gambia.

GFA working on football calendar

The FA meets organized ‘Nawettan’ Zonal to discuss strategies of setting up a fixed football calendar for national and local competitions, among other things Gambians have long been clamoring for the need for The Gambia Football Association to have calendar for football activities. It seems the GFA have listen because in a recent meeting where the GFA met representatives of recognized ‘Nawettan’ zones, the need for a football calendar was the center of discussion. The acting Secretary General GFA, Marcel Mendy, told the zonal representatives that the GFA is working with actors in football so as to arrive at a consensus on putting in place fixed dates for the commencement of programmes such as the Nawettan leagues, the Super Nawettan and the national football league. “Adopting of a fixed date for each of these events in the year would help enhance planning and administration of the game as everyone would know exactly when each competition should start and end. This is better than the current uncertainty and inconsistency surrounding the football calendar where no one is sure when a particular competition should start or end. Adoption of a uniform calendar will harmonize the running of the game across the country,’’ Mendy said. In this regard, the Super Nawettan will only kick-off in the early part of December because most Nawettan centers will only finish their competitions in November. Again on a tentative base the league is scheduled to kick off in late in December.

African football stars ready to fight Malaria

Samuel Eto, Dedier Drogba, Steven Pennar have partnered with African heads of states to organized a football match ahead of the official draw for the 2013 Orange Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). African football stars and heads of state have joined United Against Malaria (UAM) pledging to distribute life-saving malaria prevention and treatment messages throughout the tournament. Football icons including Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto’o and Steven Pienaar, along with African heads of state including President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, President Jakaya Kikwete of Tanzania, President Blaise Compaoré of Burkina Faso, President Alassane Ouattara of Cote d’Ivoire and President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda, will lend their voices to the cause, appearing in television spots, billboards and educational materials that will be distributed across Africa. “Across the continent, football dominates the hearts and minds of children and parents alike. But, so does malaria – the cause of 174 million illnesses and nearly 600,000 deaths in Africa alone every year,” said Samuel Eto’o, Cameroonian national team player and UAM champion. “We have united to utilize the power of football to fight malaria and we hope our fans will join us.” Although preventable and treatable, malaria kills a child in Africa every 60 seconds and costs the continent an estimated minimum of US $12 billion in lost productivity and healthcare costs each year. “I have been a victim of malaria and have witnessed first-hand the devastating effects it can have on individuals and families,” said Didier Drogba, Côte d'Ivoire national team captain and UAM champion. “We need malaria out of the game. Using the popularity of football to increase awareness of prevention and treatment methods will go a long way in the fight to show malaria the red card.” By leveraging the popularity and excitement surrounding Africa’s signature tournament, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and UAM are partnering to disseminate life-saving malaria messages through television and radio spots, in-stadium branding and local outreach to policy-makers and millions of fans across the continent. “Malaria affects nearly everyone on the continent of Africa, including footballers and government leaders. With all eyes on the tournament and its participants, CAF and UAM are committed to utilizing this platform to communicate important messaging to end deaths from this devastating disease,” said Mr. Hicham El Amrani, secretary general of CAF. Activities kicked off during tournament qualifying matches as President of Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf surprised football fans at the friendly game between Liberia and Ghana to cheer on her national team and congratulate them for their efforts to fight malaria. “When we all fight malaria together, we build a stronger nations and save lives,” said President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia. “As a football fan myself, I understand the game’s power and popularity. We have the tools to win against malaria and I urge others to join us in the fight.” In Nigeria, Malawi, Benin, Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania and other countries, malaria messages will be shared using football players, favorite teams and sports programs. Research has shown that audiences retain and act on these messages more often when delivered by their football heroes. In those countries, billboards, sports journals, tournament programs will complement the PSAs on air to ensure the UAM campaign messages reach every household. In Cote d’Ivoire, images of Drogba and his teammates Kolo Toure, Gervinho and Salomon Kalou attract readers to malaria educational materials, and create excitement about ridding this West African country of the burden of malaria. The UAM campaign has broken language barriers by having PSAs recorded by football stars in over 18 African languages since the campaign was launched in 2009. “I am honored to be a champion for this cause,” said Steven Pienaar, UAM champion and former South African captain. “It is unacceptable that malaria kills one child in Africa every minute. We can take such simple steps to prevent and treat this disease. United we can beat malaria.” How about The Gambia, whose image will be used on the screens to pass out the message

Gambia football once a pride, now less valued-A bird watcher

Poor administration, lack of a football calendar, poor decentralization strategy, lack of infrastructure and the fear of change are responsible for the stagnant state of football in The Gambia?

These are the words of Sering Bojang a bird watcher by profession who is also a committed football fan and commentator.

Sering said: "if only we can address the above mentioned notably maladministration, prosperity will not come and stay."

He also said that the old system is saturated and required new ideas and innovations.In his seven page document where he highlighted the problems and also serialized the possible solutions to Gambian football, Sering said The Gambia has been a great footballing nation for some years pointing out the achievements of Gambian teams at junior level. Bojang who is concerned with the recent drop of standard said fans, sponsors and even government who have spent millions on football are all disappointed. He said; “Everyone knew there is a problem which is deterring the standard to pick up again. But who would come with the brilliant ideas and implement them is the next big challenge.” Bojang who keeps a close look at football like he does with the spices of birds in the country said, “Many meetings were held talking about how to improve the standard of football in The Gambia but implementing the ideas collated from these meetings remains stagnant. He argues that there is need to implement those good ideas that the GFA is always talking about such as grass root football. “If the catch the young policy that we have heard on numerous occasions have been implemented successfully, it would have been a brilliant idea. I bet you we would have been talking about something else,” the bird watcher went on. Sering Bojang pointed out that hence the youngsters are the future, the idea of grass root football is great and must be implemented and not leave it to remain a mystery in The Gambia. As Sering looks into the conundrum of Gambian football, Nna Gambia News will keep you up-to-speed with all his arguments and suggestions on how to develop football. Next in his write up is his idea of the importance of a football calendar.

Senegalese referee replaces Papa Gassama
in CAF CL semifinal match

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has decided to withdraw Gambian referee Bakary Papa Gassama from officiating the return leg of the champions league semifinal tie between defending champions Esperance de Tunis and TP Mazembe of Democratic Republic of Congo. On the same vein CAF named Senegal’s Badara Diatta will now preside over the encounter set for Saturday October 20 in Tunis. The withdrawal and replacement of referee is as a result of a complaint filed by the Congolese club TP Mazembe against the original official from Gambia, Bakary Papa Gassama. Esperance nicknamed the Blood and Gold are highly favoured to carry off the clash after they held the Corbeaux of Mazembe to a goalless draw a fortnight ago in Lubumbashi. Local newspapers in Tunisia have criticized the new choice of referee in reference to Mazembe’s coach Lamine N’Diaye, who is also a Senegalese. It would be recalled that Bakary Gassama's officiated a quarter-final in the African Cup of Nations and was among the referees selected for the 2012 Olympic Tournament and his name is on the list of 52 for the 2014 World Cup.

President Sall apologises to football

As FA president Augustine Senghore insists his committee members are going nowhere, plead for no severe sanctions from CAF and claimed the act was premeditated by some people who are against their development plans

Reports monitored in the Senegalese media indicates that Senegalese President Macky Sall and FA president Augustine Senghore have both rubbished the behavior of the Senegalese fans in their return leg tie against Ivory Coast last weekend. Reports states that Senegal president Macky Sall has apologized to the international football community for the unruly behavior of local supporters at the Leopold Senghor Stadium in Dakar on Saturday during the return leg of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations final qualifying round between Senegal and Ivory Coast. The president said what happened was regrettable and has promised to open a speedy investigation. “Investigations will be opened very soon and I would like to call on all Senegalese to desist from such acts of violence in the future. Saturday’s events might cause us severe sanctions from CAF,” He also congratulated the Ivorian team for their brilliance and wished them success at the forthcoming continental competition. “I was attending the Francophone summit in Kinshasa, DR Congo, but had to take time out to watch the game because of my interest in football. But what I saw later in the game was awful. The Ivorian team played better than ours and deserved the victory. I hereby congratulate them. “I hereby apologies to the world of football, in the name of my country Senegal for what some local fans did at the stadium on Saturday,” Sall said. It would be recalled that The Elephants were leading 2-0 scored by skipper Didier Drogba when violence broke out, with the Senegalese supporters throwing missiles into the pitch and setting flags and newspapers ablaze. The game was abandoned in the 76th minute with the Elephants declared as winners on aggregate of 6-2 by CAF’s disciplinary committee three days later.

Federation Senegalese de Football insist they not moving an inch

Meanwhile, following growing calls for the federation board to resign, the president of the Senegalese football federation, Augustine Senghore declared that his executive committee would not resign amid calls from a number of influential Senegalese to scrape the body after the elimination of the national team on Saturday from the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Ivory Coast.

“We were elected for a four-year term and we are ever determined to achieve our mission,” Senghor said.“We’ll not resign because of Saturday’s events, and those calling for our ouster are wasting their time.”

The most popular call came from team’s former captain El Hadji Diouf. Diouf called for the resignation of the FA president and his collaborators and named the of Olympique Marseille former chairmen Pape Diouf to overhaul the country’s football system. The FSF indirectly accused the player on Monday for recruiting hooligans to disrupt the encounter, which he strongly denied.

The boss hit back at his detractors, calling them saboteurs with little love for the progress of the country’s football and announced the FA had lodged a complaint against unknown persons following the stampede at Leopold Senghor Stadium that led to the abandonment of the game in the 76th minute while the Elephants were leading 2-0, thanks to a brace from skipper Didier Drogba.

Accepting wrongs and appealed for clemency

In his attempt to kill two birds with one stone, Augustine Senghore urged the Confederation of African Football not to impose a heavy punishment in the wake of the crowd trouble which blighted their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier with Ivory Coast.

FSF president Augustin Senghor, was quoted as telling AFP that for CAF to disqualify Senegal that does not change anything.

He said: “On the sporting side of things, it (disqualification) doesn't change much because at the time the game was stopped we were being led 2-0, and that’s the score which has been confirmed by CAF. “We must simply accept this sanction with a great deal of serenity and humility.”

But with further punishment expected Senghor added: “It’s obvious that behind (the disqualification) there will follow the decision on a punishment. “We have fears about this for a number of reasons and we simply hope that CAF will take into account the context (of the violence) and that the Senegelese Football Federation will not receive a heavy sanction.”

Senghor said that the FSF was in the process of preparing a dossier explaining what exactly happened in Dakar and “to show that we don’t want to mislead officials, fans nor the opposition team.”

He added: “There was trouble which we are trying to put into context because it’s true, there was perhaps a little unhappiness fans following two decisions (a free kick and penalty) taken by the referee.

“But on top of that we have the feeling that there were some in the stadium who were prepared in some way to exasperate this mood which made Senegal suffer. “We believe that these circumstances allow us to hope that CAF will show a certain amount of understanding. “In any event, that’s what we hope for. And it’s what we wish for.”

If their appeal for clemency falls on deaf ears at CAF’s headquarters in Cairo Senghor insisted that whatever punishment was meted out to them would still be accepted “with a great deal of serenity.” Click on the play button to listen

CAF disqualify Senegal from CAN 2013

Claiming that Article 16 paragraph 20 states that‘If the referee is forced to stop the match before the end of the regular time because of invasion of the field or aggression against the visiting team, the host team shall be considered loser and shall be eliminated from the competition, without prejudice to the sanctions existing in the regulations.’ Following growing calls from African and western media for The Confederation of African Football to take against Senegal for her fans misbehavior in their return leg against Ivory Coast, CAF has decided to disqualified Senegal from the 2013 Orange Africa Cup of Nations. It would be recalled that the Senegalese fans throw missiles, stones, bottles, firecrackers were thrown onto the pitch and tear gas was used prompting the referee to stop the match after 74 minutes of match had been played. The CAF Disciplinary met in Cairo, 16th of October 2012 to look into the incidents that led to the abandonment of match No 56 Senegal vs. Ivory Coast during the final qualifier for the 29th Edition of CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Dakar. As a result CAF decided to officially confirm the result of the match as 2 – 0 in favor of Ivory Coast in accordance with the provisions of article 16 paragraph 20 of the regulations of the competition and to consider Senegal the loser of the said match and eliminated from the competition without prejudice to any other sanctions that may be imposed by CAF Disciplinary Board.

Hon Alieu K Jammeh- Character assassination has no place in sports development

In the heels of turbulent weeks of wrangles and quavers over the state of football in The Gambia, the minister of youth and sports, Hon Alieu K Jammeh has said that people in sports should stop the character assassinations and undermining against each other and begin to invest valuable time and energy into strategic thinking. He said: “There will be difference in opinions in the ways and means that we think we should do things; those are natural phenomena, but those differences should not and cannot afford to be destructive and disruptive. Let us minimize on our inclinations towards our negative sensibilities and rather maximize our zeal and strength for a robust synergic outcome. Anytime we tend to articulate our differences more; we waste quality time in our ability to address our common objectives.” Click on the play button to listen

Pending work calls for more members to NC says Minister Jammeh

Reveals FIFA have accepted the idea of co-opting other members to ease the jobWeeks after it was announced that FIFA has extended the mandate of the normalization committee, the minister of youth and sports has taken time to officially announce to the public the extension of the tenure of the Gambia Football Association Normalization Committee for another six (6) months. The minister of youth and sports made this announcement at the friendship hostel at the independence stadium where, his ministry called on the general public to suggest how The Gambia can have a sustainable sports development. He said; “During the first six months of its existence, the Committee has indeed been able to produce a standardized constitution that gives uniform and equal representation to all regions; and most importantly concretized beneficial relations with both FIFA and CAF. Because pending work is numerous, we shall be broadening the membership of the Normalization Committee in few days with other personalities to support the good job of the current members. As we all know, one of the members had to leave to assume other national duties outside the shores of the country and during our meeting with President Blatter of FIFA in Zurich, he had allowed for the possibility of co-opting of other members into the Committee as and when needed. Click on the play button to listen

Discussions can generate best ideas says MOYS Minister

Reasons for organizing a national dialogue on sustainable sports development Bringing together stakeholders to discuss on how The Gambia can have a sustainable sports development was the ‘first of its kind’ according to the youth and sports minister, Hon Alieu K Jammeh. Addressing the gathering in the opening day, the Youth and Sports Minister Hon. Alieu K Jammeh said he has taken special pride in being associated something he calls a way forward in devising a win-win formula. “I also have no doubt that most of us here had in the past looked forward to having such an opportunity where an honest, dispassionate, collective and direct discourse can be held in generating the best ideas, developing workable programs and structures, and devising win-win formula in connecting with partners to provide necessary finances for the progress and development of sports in the country,” Minister Jammeh said. He said his office have sent out an open invitation to the general public, basically to everybody and anybody who have something to propose and make in an orderly, constructive and progressive manner. “In fact all the people are important stakeholders in sports; be it the illiterate or the literate, the blue collared or white collared worker. In one way or the other every day everybody spends much of their leisure time and disposable income on one form of sporting event and activity, whether as spectators, participants and as viewers and listeners of broadcast events. Therefore we really anticipate a very sincere contribution from everybody here in finding solutions to our very obvious problems in our sports.”Click on the play button to listen

KunkuJang Wrestling Committee set to revive wrestling In its bid to promote wrestling in The Gambia, Kunkujang Keitaya Wrestling Committee held series of meeting to revitalize and reform its activities. The committee is a combination of three sub committees, which are the APRC Wrestling Committee, Rinperon Bi wrestling Committee and the Balangharr United Society Wrestling Committee. Speaking during a meeting, Damm Touray, the Secretary General of the committee said they started organizing wrestling competition since 2007 and will continue to stage events. He said, “Knowing the condition of wrestling in The Gambia, it is not easy to organize wrestling competitions, as it is always difficult to tap fund from sponsors. Money is always a problem when organizing combats." Kunkujang have in the past been known for organizing wrestling competition both in the local and traditional form dubbed 'Roofo", which is quite different from the ‘Boreh Dorr’ in the neighboring Senegal. For Damm, they will continue to organise traditional manner of wrestling as that is what they are known for. Though, the wrestling is underrated compared to other games in the Gambia, Damm appealed for publicity from the media houses in the country. "The media is the mouth piece of the people and we are therefore appealing to them to be covering our events for the benefit of the general public," he said. He then revealed that after their consultations, they will get back to the people as to when they are to stage their first competition of the season promising that it will be in the month of October 2012. He then concluded by calling on sponsors to fund wrestling, before commending the general public for their continued support.

Saying they will not stop distractors on their evil intentions The minister of youth and sports has sparked a debate over claims he made recently at a cocktail reception organized for the Women U-17 upon return from Azerbaijan where they performed dismally. The youth and sports minister openly stated that he have no regrets surrounding himself with people of great experience and wisdom and with genuine dedication and passion to develop football in this country making reference to Alhagie OB Conateh, Alhagie Omar Sey, his brother Bakary Jammeh and Tombong Saidy. A week ago, the spokespersons of the Coordinating Committee of Football Stakeholders, Mr. Bori Darboe, Secretary General of Bakau United and Ebrima Manneh of Interior all referred to the above mentioned gentlemen as the people responsible for the poor state of Gambian football who also see themselves as saints. Countering such allegations, the Minister of Youth and Sports said he believes these are the greatest minds around to advice on how to develop football in The Gambia. Hon. Jammeh went on to state that he and his team of advisers are very genuine in their course of developing Gambian football and that they will stay firm even with dis-tractors. Click on the play button to listen

Minister Jammeh condemns people who lashes on Women U-17

Claiming that lashes were not what the girls deserve after failing in their course in Azerbaijan “Majority of Gambians were positive about your performance in Azerbaijan though there were few Gambians who shunned your performance.” These were the words of the Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Alieu K Jammeh at a cocktail reception organized to celebrate the girls three days after they returned from Azerbaijan where they performed woefully conceding 27 goals in three matches. Minister Jammeh stated that Gambians as whole should be celebrating success and not duel of the shortcomings for the development of the country. “As a country what was needed was to celebrate our success and concentrate very little and very less on our shortcomings.” He detested the minority that shunned the girls saying they don’t belong in our midst. He assured the girls of the Gambians continuous support arousing their pride and telling them that he has seen that they have uphold their slogan of ‘Dem Beh Jeeh’. Click on the play button to listen

OB Conateh: Qualifying to Azerbaijan alone was a big achievement

The Chairman of the Normalization Committee of The Gambia Football Association Alhagie O B Conateh has stated that qualifying to Azerbaijan for the 2012 FIFA Women U-17 World Cup was a big achievement. The veteran sports administrator made these remarks at Seaview Hotel, where the Women U-17 was hosted to a cocktail reception for a performance he and the Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon Alieu K Jammeh referred to as ‘wonderful’. Alh. OB said, “Citing the group The Gambia was, the performance of the girls was just exemplary. You were grouped with very big nations that are rich in wealth and have been in this competition for a very long time.” He used the occasion to slam Gambians who showed their frustration over the team’s poor performance in their first major tournament. It would be recalled that Gambians shunned the performance of the girls in Azerbaijan referring to it as ridiculous and poor. The team played three conceded 27 and only manage to score two. But yet the highest sports authorities and the man at the helm of affairs at the GFA believes the girls must be glorified.

Normalisation Committee fail in their first TOR

Interior FC’s Ebrima Manneh, a member of the Football Coordinating Committee of football stakeholders has said that the Normalisation Committee has failed in their first term of reference (TOR) before he recollected all the technical lapses the Normalization Committee has underwent during their first term in office. Manneh was making these observations at a press conference convene by the coordinating committee of football stakeholders at the Serekunda East Mini Stadium. Manneh said the incident involving Brikama United’s league game with Steve Biko was as a result of the committee’s failure to attend matches. He also point at pending appeal launched by Gamtel FC against Hawks for fielding an ineligible player in Modou Lamin Sillah despite the season finished a long time ago as well as the match-fixing allegation lodged by the Gambia Armed Forces FC concerning their game between Real De Banjul VS Young Africans FC which according to him is still under the carpet. Manneh also noted that the finalists of this year’s FA Cup in Gamtel and Interior are yet to receive any prize payment “even a promissory note indicating the prize award”.

Sacking GFA employees tantamount to interference-Bori Darboe

Dispelling claims that there was no constitution for The Gambia Football Association for years Employing and sacking employees is the responsibility of the GFA executive, therefore, sacking certain members of the GFA by the normalization committee to us was interference. These were the words of Bori Darboe, Secretary General of Bakau United FC and a member of the coordinating committee of stakeholders. Bori was speaking at a press conference meant to push the normalization committee to hasten their activities. In his speech he said, “The normalization committee instead confining themselves to their mandate was busy tempering with the services of the GFA staff.”He also went on to say that dissolving the then GFA and appointing a normalization committee spells doom to Gambian football before he dispel rumours that was no constitution during the tenure of the previous GFA .Click to listen to more

Dissolution of GFA was due to power struggle- Bori Darboe

Bori Darboe, Secretary General of Bakau United FC and a member of the coordinating committee of stakeholders has said that the dissolution of the GFA was not based on any tangible facts, but instead a power struggle between the Ministry of sports and certain privileged few against the GFA. Bori made these revelations on Sunday at a press conference convene by the coordinating Committee of a body that called themselves football stakeholders. He said this power struggle was responsible for the sacking of the former national team coach Paul Put and now the ousted GFA Executive Committee. He said “Paul PUT efforts to develop Gambian football were undermined by the same people who made their intention known in public before his sacking. We wish to let you know a gentleman called Bakary Jammeh, a close relation to the current Minister of Youth and Sports spear headed the crusade to seeing Coach Paul PUT contract been terminated and that the GFA Executive Committee been ousted from office.”

Gambia curl her sting-less tail to head with 27 goals

The Gambia bowed out the FIFA U-17 World Cup conceding 27 goals and netting two in three matches leaving many questioning how the team qualified to the world stage. However, after beating The Gambia 10-2, France coach, Guy Ferrier told FIFA.com that The Gambia was one of the most difficult opponent prompting questions such as, ‘was he making jokes of The Gambia or that was the reality.’ He said, "This was definitely one of our hardest games for us as the girls were quite tired. We relied on the other match, but our goal was obviously to win and we knew it was important to score as many as possible. It took us a while to open the scoring, but the girls were really determined and we did a great job." After dismantling the already ran-over Gambia France advanced to the quarter-finals of FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup. A 1-1 draw in the match between group rivals Korea DPR and USA left the French needing to win by a margin of six or more, and they did just that, despite their African opponents managing their first goals of the tournament. With Gambia having conceded 17 and scored none in their opening two matches, Les Bleuettes began with an attack-minded line-up in which Pauline Cousin, Kadidiatou Diani, Laurie Saulnier and Lea Declercq all started. It wasn’t long before they began eating into the goals-for advantage of the teams above them, with Declercq teeing up the unmarked Cousin to slot home from close range in 11 minutes.Gambia’s packed defence was proving more successful than in previous matches, but they fell two behind 14 minutes later when the unfortunate Metta Sanneh headed into her own net from a Declercq corner. With two assists already to her name, Declercq turned scorer ten minutes later, crashing home a powerful shot after good approach play by Diani and Sandie Toletti.France needed to at least match their first-half goal tally in the second period, but disaster struck just three minutes into the second half when a Cindy Perrault slip allowed Pendah Bah in for Gambia’s first-ever goal at the FIFA U-17 World Cup. Candice Gherbi re-established France’s three-goal cushion with a powerful header five minutes later, but another defensive lapse – this time from goalkeeper Sainey Sissohore – allowed 13-year-old Sainey Sissohore to become the youngest goalscorer in the tournament’s history with 21 minutes remaining.Les Bleuettes’ prospects were looking decidedly bleak at this stage, but a late goalscoring burst took them through to the last eight. Diani raised hopes with a fine solo effort after 71 minutes before setting up Declercq’s second seven minutes later. Giedge Mbock Bathy made it 7-2 from a corner within seconds, while Cousin completed her brace with nine minutes remaining to put her team on the brink.

Inexperience and lack of unity cost us says Buba Jallow

Buba Jallow, the head coach of the Women U-17 of the gambia has stated that inexperience and individualism was responsible for his team’s poor show on Tuesday. Jallow who himself has never led a team for an international tournament made these remarks after his side was hammered 6-0 by USA thus condeeding 17goals in two matches; a record equal to none since the start of this tournament. Buba Jallow said, my girls are inexperience and do not work as a unit. The defence is not relaxed. They open very wide and allow our opponents to penetrate. And above all, the USA is more experience than us.” The Gambian coach went on to say that, “in football, when you make mistakes, you will be punished. So USA capitalized on our mistakes at all areas of the field and ‘got us punished.” Adding salt to injury Jallow said, “Conceding goals is part of the game.” Buba said no team is prepared to be defeated in such a margin and that Gambians should bear with them as this is their first appearance in a World Cup. His opposite man in the US sidelines Montoya Albertin says his side did not play under any pressure and that a lot of chances were even squandered. “We played much better football today and am happy that The Gambia stretched us wide but we ended up collecting the three points which is very important,” Albertin said in a post-match press conference at the Delga Arena. The USA coach admits that they have a big game on Saturday against Korea but promised to prepare well.

GFA scribe- Gambian players lack basic skills

The new Secretary General of The Gambia Football Association Marcel Kevin Mendy has said that The Gambia women U-17 lacks the basic skills thus describing the team’s performance in the FIFA U-17 Women’s tournament as unfortunate and saddened. Marcel was speaking at the Hotel dining hall after returning from the second game against the USA where The Gambia conceded six goals to the USA on Tuesday night at the Delga Arena. Mr Mendy said, “Things are not going well and a lot of things need to be improved on.” He attributed the defeat to lack of experience and basic skills lacking in the team. He further said that the USA team are better composed and fit than The Gambia who despite benefiting from an international training camp did not show well at the FIFA tournament. He however thanked the girls for their efforts saying, “it’s their first showing in a World Cup and The GFA is watching events throughout and would correct the wrongs for the development of our football. “The GFA is very concern about what is happening but also very saddened about the outcome of the game. “Perhaps the girls did their best but let’s hope that we can get at least points from our last group game on Saturday,” he concluded.

Gambia suffer another heavy defeat

A tiring Gambian side has again succumbed to another heavy defeat in the 2012 FIFA U-17 World Cup. The Gambia put up a respectable performance in the first period conceding just one but Summer Green’s hat trick helped USA to a 6-0 win over Gambia in Baku, in a game which saw five of the goals come in the second half. Albertin Montoya’s team led 1-0 at the break courtesy of Green’s 24th minute penalty after Brittany Basinger was fouled in the box. However, USA struggled to create much in the way of clear-cut opportunities during the opening 45 minutes. The floodgates opened after the restart, however, and it took a matter of seconds before Amber Munerlyn doubled their advantage after turning home Darian Jenkins’ left-wing cross. Green made it 3-0 shortly after the hour mark, when her cross-cum-shot took a wicked deflection off Amie Jarju. Ten minutes later, her hat trick was complete when she applied a cheeky finish to a Jenkins cross. There was still time for two more goals in the closing stages. Morgan Stanton profited from some excellent work from substitute Emily Bruder and Lauren Kaskie, while Payne completed the rout four minutes from time, keeping her cool with just the keeper to beat. The result ends Gambia’s hopes of reaching the next round, while a win over Korea DPR will be enough to see USA through.According to the USA coach Abertin Montoya, his side played individually in the first period thus failing to create chances. "During the first half we played too much like individuals. We were much better in the second half because we played as a unit. We will definitely have to do that to beat Korea DPR,"

No shame to The Gambia anymore

As Nigeria put 11 past host Azerbaijan The Gambia have a sister in the FIFA U-17 championship because Nigeria has beaten Azerbaijan 11-0 equaling Korea’s drubbing of The Gambia in the opening match of the 2012 FIFA U-17 World Cup. Nigeria registered a demoralising 11-0 victory over FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup hosts Azerbiajan, seeing them eliminated, with Chinwendu Ihezuo playing a part in eight of them. Right from the off the game was being played almost exclusively in the hosts’ half, so it was little surprise when the first goal came. Chinwendu Ihezuo capitalising after Madel Effiom’s cross cannoned fortuitously off the bar to tap in from a yard out. Three minutes later it was 2-0, Oluchi Ofoebu squaring from inside the box to see Halimatu Ayinde squeeze her first under Aytaj Sharifova. It was clear the hosts couldn’t handle Nigeria’s pace or physicality, and a third came when Effiom once again crossed for Ihezuo, who laid the ball off for Tessy Biahwo to fire from the edge of the box. Ayinde then made one and scored her second, lay the first on for Aminat Yakubu before Ihezuo turned provide. Ihezuo then doubled own tally, Yakubu crossing for her to put in at the far post. Ayinde missed the chance to complete her hat-trick when missing an untended goal, but her pass on 37 minutes saw Ihezuo complete hers. Nigar Jalilli had two chances to score for the hosts, one drawing a fantastic save from an otherwise unworked Gift Andy. The tune didn’t change after half-time, Ihezuo netting her fourth after Ebere Okoye’s neat through-ball. Substitute Joy Bokiri then got in on the act, converting Ayinde’s cross. Ihezuo got her fifth, rising to head Biahwo’s deep free-kick, before roles reversed as the midfielder curled an effort into the bottom corner for the final goal.

Gambia’s next opponent France pick a point against Korea

Raises an alarm that if The Gambia does not buckle up later today another drubbing is on the offing Gambia’s last opponent in the 2012 FIFA women’s U-17 World Cup, France netted the quickest equalizer in FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup history to draw 1-1 with Korea DPR and keep their hopes of escaping Group B alive.Korea DPR knew a win would take them through following their 11-0 victory over Gambia, but this was a much tighter affair as both sides were cautious not to gift the opposition an early opportunity. After 15 minutes the game saw a flurry of action, first with Ri Un Sim – who bagged three against Gambia – testing Romane Bruneau in the French goal after being fed by Kim Hyang Mi. Choe Chung Bok heading wide soon after.France responded, firing long-distance efforts from the feet of Lea Declercq and Candice Gherbi, but Rim Young Hwa wasn’t overly troubled. The game then fell back into its more sterile pattern after the mid-point of the half. It was a different game after the break though, both sides kicked up a gear and Declerq fired the first real effort, forcing Rim into a fine save. On 59 minutes, however, the Koreans were ahead, Ri slotting past Bruneau after a fine pass by Kim Phyong Hwa. Their celebrations couldn’t have been much more short-lived though, France striking back 80 seconds later. It came from Kadidiatou Diani, heading into the far corner from Noemie Carage’s cross. But neither side could find a winner, largely thanks to Bruneau denying Ri Kyong Hyang in a one-on-one 12 minutes from time.

Fans will uplift our morals says U-17Vice-captain

Even though observations in Azerbaijan indicates that the spirits of the fifty Gambian fans airlifted by the president are down, the vice-captain of The Gambia U-17 Sainey Sisoho said the presence of the fans will lift them up in their remaining matches. Sainey made these remarks after Fifty Gambian fans including journalists, GFA staff, MOYS and Gambia for Gold arrive in Baku Azerbaijan on Sunday morning to drum support to the team. The Gambian fans who were expected to be at the opening of the Gambia’s FIFA World Cup campaign on Saturday, were delayed in Dakar Friday evening after missing their scheduled flight, Royal Air Maroc. The fans drove from Barra en route to Dakar to lodge in a local hotel in Yoff. Having missed the Gambia’s opening game against Korea; fans showed their frustrations over the huge lost to the defending champions. However, Sainey is upbeat that the presence of the Gambian fans will play a part in their next matches. Reports from Azerbaijan reveals that spirits are not totally down for The Gambian fans that are ready to storm Baku on Tuesday 25th September when the girls take on USA in the second game. USA and France drew in their opening on Saturday and The Gambian girls according to the vice-captain, Sainey Sisoho can only prove miracles in securing a point against one of the hottest favourites in Women football. The question though is, what impact can fifty fans some of whom are journalists add to The Gambia’s game tomorrow against USA?

Following the gambia 11-0 drubbing in the hands of Korea DPR,Buba
Jallow has referred to his side’s heavy lost as a humiliating match saying it
taught them a lesson.

Speaking
to Gambian journalists Buba said, “The first game was humiliating but we are
working on the next game.” The
beating coach said they now concentrating on their next match. In
his words, “We are now focusing on USA believing that anything can happen
in football.” he told the Gambian press.He
assured Gambians of his team’s willingness to step up in the next game and do
well. Asked
about disappointment back home, Buba said, “we cannot do anything about that
result because our opponents were better than us in all levels. It is never our
wish to concede that much but its football.” Coach
Buba Jallow defended his team’s selection describing it as ‘the best U-17 Women
team for The Gambia.Also
speaking to the Gambian press was assistant captain Sainy Sisoho. Sisoho said
although the result was a shocking defeat, she believed her colleagues played
to the best of their abilities.

The vice-captain said they
will still accomplish their slogan of "DEEM BEH JEEHK".

Sainy
said the team will go all out and open a new page in their next games with the
help of their technical staff.

Asked
about what must have happen to them on the day, she said, "we were nervous. It was very difficult because the stadium was full, noisy with big TV screen everywhere and many things also."

She
concluded by saying that the arrival of the Gambian fans will feel at home
so a different ball game can be expected from them on Tuesday eveningwhen The
Gambia take on USA at midday in Baku.

Bakary B Baldeh-Azerbaijan

Gambia ready to set out in 2012 Fifa women's U-17

Penda Bah Gambia’s sharpshooter will lead the dream battle says FIFA.comTournament newcomers Gambia, who have been drawn in Group B, will be hoping their youthful line-up can make an impact in the Land of Fire. More than a quarter of their squad were born in 1998, among them the competition’s youngest player Sainey Sissohore, well ahead of the eligibility cut-off date of 1 January 1995, FIFA.com states.

Billed as the group of fire, The Gambia will face the likes of USA, Korea DPR and France in the group stages. Taking cue of their preparation and their ten day training camp in Morocco, The Gambia should have goals coming from the left, right and center of the attack as Adama Tamba, Awa Demba and Penda Bah score goals from all angles. Action is set to continue in the world of women’s football. With the dust having only just settled at the Women’s Olympic Football Tournament London 2012 and the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup Japan2012, it is the turn of the teenagers to take centre stage, with the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Azerbaijan2012 set to begin on Saturday 22 September. Some 304 players will be taking part in the competition, with the 16 squad lists. The FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Azerbaijan 2012 kicks off with the meeting between Colombia and Azerbaijan in Baku, with the hosts in action again three days later against the Nigerians in Lankarn.

Vigorous campaign was key to road to Azerbaijan-Bakary K Jammeh

Bakary K Jammeh, chairman of the committee instituted to amaze funds to sponsor all national teams in The Gambia has revealed that FIFA has accepted to pay for the team’s route to morocco and back even with the 10day break.

He said, "For FIFA to have agreed to pay for the teams means there is a good working relationship between the members of the normalization committee and FIFA. To listen click on the play button

Amie Jarju- "We need victory more than our opponents"

Promised they willhold on to their motto to make the entire Gambia proud

The Gambia women U-17 team captain Amie Jarju has reminded Gambians of their slogan or motto which is “Dem bay Jeeh” and promised that they need victory more than their opponents. She also called on Gambians to remember them in their prayers.

She made these call before the team depart for a training camp in morocco where they will spend ten days ahead of FIFA Women U-17 World Cup in Azerbaijan. Click on the play button to listen

Buba Jallow: 5D's key to our qualification

We intend to build on that for the rest of the campaign

Coach Buba K. Jallow said he is traveling with 21 players (18 players and 3 goal keepers). He said the Morocco trip will further help him prepare the team ahead of the world cup. He noted that he uses the 5D’s to prepare the girls.

He noted that, "it was very difficult during the qualification." For more click on the play button

Demba’s looks forward to his 800m race

After his hopes were shattered in the 100 meter FATOUMATTA SAHO IN LONDONDemba Jarju, Gambia’s hopeful in the London Paralympics has now set his eyes on his upcoming 800meters race after his hopes were dazed in his favourite 100meters race on Saturday. Despite hopes of breaking through to the next stages of his races in the 100meters, Demba Jarju’s 7th position in the heats clocking 18:87 second wasn't good enough to see him through. Demba took to the tracks on Saturday against paralympians from Mexico, Sweden, Canada, Thailand, Finland, and Ghana among others. Demba’s qualification to the London games came after he won a bronze medal in Tunisia two months back. Demba said, “Sports is not easy, it is difficult. My wish was to make a record that would surprise everyone.” He however blames his tool for his poor performance saying, “my wheelchair is quite different from what the other athletes use. Anyway this is what I have and I honestly did my best.” Jarju could not hide his disappointment of finishing seventh. He said his preparation was below standard compared to some countries. He noted that, “If you want something, you must do something, this was not my wish but I have to take it in good faith.” “I was surprise when I saw myself behind with my wheelchair. I pushed to my last strength even God knows I have tried my best but my best was not good enough,” he added. He pointed out that participating in the Paralympics games alone is a big achievement for him. “People who look down on us will now know that we also have something to show going this far to the Paralympics games and representing our country changed a lot of perception on us,” he stressed. He noted the need for Africans to learn from the white people, saying “if your child is disabled in anyway try to give him support because the Paralympics games can be a life changing effect to disable people. Demba’s next race is 800meters. He said, “I will try my best and see what I can do, because I am not afraid of any athlete here I will do all I can in the 800 meters for people to see. I really want to compete but I don’t have the right materials to do it,” Jarju concluded.

Though late, finally it’s here

Road to Azerbaijan launched, D2million needed, stakeholders spoke of how to raise itAn alliance of five women's groups in The Gambia and The Gambia for Gold Committee on Monday, August 6, 2012 launched a fund raising campaign to raise funds for the women U-17 to participate effectively in the Fifa Women U-17 World Cup due to take place next month in Baku, Azerbaijan.

The launch was held at the Paradise Suites Hotel before representatives of the women group, prominent government officials, football authorities and members of the team itself; the technical staff and players. The alliance which includes the Female Artists Association, the National Female Presenters Association, the Musicians Union of The Gambia, the Women's Bureau and the Women's Federation, collaborated with the official fundraising arm for Gambian football teams, the Gambia For Gold to kick start the Road-To-Azerbaijan Campaign which seeks to raise a minimum of D2 million for preparing the team as well as meeting other needs of the team such as camping, jerseys and allowances for players and officials of the team.

Speaking at the launch, The Minister of Youth and Sports, Alieu Jammeh commended the initiative taken by the women's groups to complement the efforts of the GFA and government to make this project successful. He reminded the gathering that government had over the years spent tens of millions of dalasis on football alone, mainly on the male national teams and since it alone cannot do all, especially with other sectors on its priority list, this initiative was very much welcomed.

For his part, the chairman of the GFA Normalization Committee, Alhaji OB Conateh, thanked the alliance for the initiative and stressed his Normalisation Committee's acute lack of funds to finance the competitions the country has committed to. “We recently had to pull out of the Under -17 and Under -20 male championships for lack of money hoping to be able to pull this girls world cup project through. Your initiative therefore is God-sent'' he told the women.

Other speakers such as Fatou Jah of the Women's Federation, Health Minister Fatim Badjie and Deputy Speaker Fatou Mbye who spoke at the launch hailed the achievements of the Under-17 Girls, reiterating that they are a worthy team to support.

The minister of Youth and Sports Hon. Alieu K Jammeh has joined a teaming number of Gambians to celebrate the performances of the two athletes Suwaibou Sanneh and Saruba Colley. Minister Jammeh’s was quoted as telling Observer Sports that he was delighted with the performances of the two athletes especially Suwaibou Sanneh who broke two national records in the 100metres. While in celebratory mood he promised that a good surprise awaits the duo in Banjul upon their return on August 14th. His words: “Exhilarating speed and results, keep your head high up Suwaibou. Gambia and Africa is proud of you. Being an African champion is definitely within reach and the world will be there to grab” the minister spoke so highly of the Gambian. “To run with that world renown athletes and break another national record of just 10 seconds is quite an achievement for him and the Gambia should be proud of him and Saruba too because they deserved it” he added. When Suwaibou stepped on the athletic track, he was introduced in the PC System as Gambia’s national record holder and the 80,000 spectators followed that up with a huge round of applause for our compatriot and speaking further, Minister Jammeh said his ministry will give the athletes the necessary support that they need to continue to the higher heights. It would be recalled that Suwaibou Sanneh went head to head with renown athletes such as American Justin Gatlin and Jamaican Asafa Powell, Kestin Bledman of Trinidad and Tobago and Churandy Martina of the Netherlands, France’s Jimmy Vicaut, Great Britain’s James Dasaolu and Cote d’Ivoire’s Meitein the first semifinal race this evening and finished seventh; an achievement no Gambian 100metres runner has ever met. Saruba Colley on the other hand came second in the preliminary rounds but fail progressed to the next stage but improved on her personal best.

Brufut recognised as a Nawettan zoneZonal teams increased as GFA strives to normalise Gambian football

The Gambia Football Association GFA, in its drive to restructure and open up opportunities for greater promotion and participation in the national game, has finally announce to the general public that it has duly recognise and granted full status to the Town of Brufut as a Super Nawettan Zone with immediate effect. A press release sent to Na Gambia News states that a letter has been addressed to the sports leaders and community of the Town, one of the fast growing residential and commercial centres in the Western Region. In that letter it is stated that the GFA praised the hard work of the community in developing football in the area and wish the new zone all the best in its strive to achieve sporting excellence. Meanwhile, members of the Brufut Sports committee, clubs and the general sport loving people of the new zone expressed immense delight and appreciation of the GFA’s decision. “We shall endeavour to make maximum use of this prestigious opportunity to promote and further develop football in our area as part of the national programme to take Gambian sports to higher heights,’’ commented Ba S Jabbie, a prominent sports administrator in Brufut.

Africa will not win the world cup due to poor preparation – Blatter

The Gambia is no exception as the country never prepares early for eventsFifa president, Sepp Blatter has warned that an African team is unlikely to win a World Cup if the continent does not prepare early for competitions. He made this proclamation just after watching the African teams bow out of the Olympic football tournament at the quarter-final stage. The Gambia has been a victim of poor preparations in most of the football tournament they enter. However, will this warning by the Fifa top man wake football authorities in The Gambia and Africa? Blatter believes African teams suffer from poor preparation. Speaking at the Olympic Games, Blatter believes the continent's sides at that level are more competitive than at senior level. He said: "I have been analysing African football for quite a while now, more than the football from other continents… When they play at the U-23 level, African teams can match their opponents from other parts of the world. "You may say that Europe do not pay the same level of attention to the Olympics. But no, I can tell you that Europe is not happy with their performance at this Olympic tournament. "At the senior level, [African national associations] just do not prepare their teams properly. "Look at how teams from other parts of the world prepare, the money spent and the effort that is applied in getting ready to compete. African associations sometimes hire coaches just months before a World Cup. This has to stop."

Better late than never

Stakeholders launch 'Road to Azerbaijan' campaign today Following romours that The Gambia women U-17 destined for the FIFA Women U-17 World Cup might be withdrawn, a campaign to raise funds dubbed The 'Road to Azerbaijan'' will be launched on Monday, August 6, 2012 at the Paradise Suites Hotel. The women Under 17 are due to play USA, Korea Democratic People’s Republic and France in Baku next month.

The news strikes a day after the Normalization Committee running football in The Gambia withdrew the U-20 from the return leg of the preliminary due this weekend against Morocco. The withdrawal according vice chairman of the cash trapped Normalization Committee, Omar Sey is due to the country’s inability to foot the bill involved. Some pundits believe the withdrawal is due to the poor results in the first leg knowing The Gambia need five goals to turn down the tie. To avoid withdrawing the Women U-17 from such a major tournament stakeholders such as The Gambia for Gold, Womens' Bureau, Gambia Women's Federation, National Female Artist Association, and the female media personnel came together to spearhead the crusade. Speaking at a meeting held at the Independence Stadium on Saturday, director of Women's Bureau, Ida Faye Hydara, stated that the Women Bureau is here to empower women; therefore they deem it necessary to give their support to the team. According to her, the Bureau is working both technically and financially to boost the road to Azerbaijan.

She pointed out that the female team has already shown their readiness as well as preparedness since they qualified amongst other countries, “The president is working hard on women empowerment in all works of life and the female team have made us proud in terms of football,” she added.

Though silent over the team’s preparation for a very long time, Tombong Saidy, Chairman of 'Gambia for Gold' said the campaign intends to embark on a nationwide sensitization in order to support the girls, noting that the team has reached a very high level and need the support and blessing of all and sundry. “The female team is not only representing Gambia but Africa at large and they need help from all,” he said.

For her part, The president of the Gambia Women Federation, Fatoumatta Jah called on both women and men to render their support as a win for the female U-17 team is a win for the whole Gambia.

Suwaibou not in the final but broke another national record

Gambian sprinter, Suwaibou Sanneh, has broken another national record after running 10.18 seconds in the semifinal of the London 2012 Olympics. Suwaibou missed out in the finals but has broken his own Gambia national record. He has improved from initial record of 10.21 yesterday. The Gambian sprinter was on track with great names such as Jamaica’s Asafa Powell, USA’S Justin Gatlin and Great Britain’s James Dasaolu. He finished seventh and have improved on his standings. The Gambian sprinter is the first ever to compete in an Olympic semifinal of the 100meters race. Usain Bolt primed for fastest 100m final in history at London 2012 Meanwhile, Jamaica and world’s fatest sprinter leads the way to the 100meters final later though he has not been at his best and knows Sunday's final on a fast track may see all eight men running under 10 seconds. In the buildup to these Olympic Games all talk of the men's 100m focused on who would win: Usain Bolt, the defending Olympic champion, or Yohan Blake, world champion, young upstart and the man who comprehensively beat Bolt over 100m and 200m before these championships. But after two days of competition in the Olympic stadium in which crowds have witnessed blisteringly fast times run on the London track, there seems to be a new question on everyone's lips: no matter who wins it, how fast will he go? The triple world record holder Bolt has always maintained that he believes 9.4sec is possible, having already recorded 9.58 at the 2009 world championships in Berlin. This season Bolt has not looked so imperious, with Blake occupying the No1 spot in the world rankings for his Olympic trials-winning 9.75. Indeed the men's 100m field is looking its most diversely competitive in years – even leaving Bolt and Blake aside, five other sprinters have run sub-9.90 times this season in Justin Gatlin, Asafa Powell, Keston Bledman, Ryan Bailey and Tyson Gay. Such is the depth of talent that there is even talk of the Olympic final being the first in which all eight sprinters run under 10 seconds. In short, there is a good chance that 80,000 spectators could be about to witness a world record in the distance.

Suwaibou takes on Gatlin and Asafa

The sprinter looks ahead to Gambia’s first Olympic semi final appearance in the 100mGambian sprinter, Suwaibou Sanneh will go head to head with renowned athletes such as American Justin Gatlin and Jamaican Asafa Powell in the first semifinal race this evening. In his race are also Kestin Bledman of Trinidad and Tobago and Churandy Martina of the Netherlands who also posted a first-round sub-ten. Making the group are France’s Jimmy Vicaut, Great Britain’s James Dasaolu and Cote d’Ivoire’s Meite. The Gambian sprinter who is the first ever to compete in an Olympic semifinal of the 100meters race made his qualification following an impressive time in the heats. Suwaibou, The Gambian 100m record holder set a new best time of 10.21 in the heat finishing fifth and qualified as one of only three fastest losers. To the 22-year-old, It’s a dream come true as reaching the semifinal of one of the toughest races of the Olympics was his target in London. “My aim is to reach the semifinal,” he consistently told West Coast Radio in recent days, adding: “And if I cannot make it to the semis I want to improve my timing.” With millions watching around the world, Suwaibou, who’s often been criticized for a slow start, bolted out of his starting block in lane 9 in the day’s third heat race, which included the American Ryan Bailey and Africa’s fastest man, Ben Youssef Meite who finished one and two with Canadian Justyn Warner and Kemar Hyman from the Cayman Islands coming in third and fourth respectively. Meanwhile, Ex-Gambian sprinter Jaysuma Saidy-Ndure, the first Gambian to secure Olympic 100m qualification, failed to make the cut for his adopted country, Norway, despite finishing fourth in his heat. His time of 10.28 was seven-hundredths of a second slower than Suwabou’s. The Gambia National Committee quickly greeted the achievement with elation. “I congratulate Suwaibou on his historic achievement,” said GNOC president Alhaji Momodou Dibba, speaking from a meeting of the Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa, ANOCA. It’s only the second time a Gambian will take part in the semifinal of an Olympic event. In Barcelona in 1992, Baba Njie ran in the 1500m semis as an upgrade benefitting from an insufficient number of qualifiers for the round.

OB Conateh-‘Players are to be blamed for age cheating’

“Players are to be blame for age cheating,” says the chairman of the normalization committee, Alhagie OB Conateh. The former FA president now chairing the normalization committee brought to regularize Gambian football said, little blame can be levied on coaches and football administrators regarding age cheating. He said, “footballers come with their passports with an age on it, who are you as the coach or an administrator to question that age,” asked the old man. Conateh laughed that MRI itself does not hold everyone citing that it is luck. He pointed out that even some of the players who were declared fit by the MRI in the past U-17 were overage. Click on the play button to listen to more…………

Some girls might fail the MRI test-OB Conateh

Breaking News: The chairman of the normalization committee, Alhagie OB Conateh is afraid that some of the girls who played in the qualifying series might fail the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) test. OB said, the coaches are working on a team with the right players to represent The Gambia at the FIFA U-17 World Cup. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) test is nothing new in The Gambia but when it struck, football authorities shiver because of the 2009 disaster it cost The Gambia U-17 in preparation for the Nigeria world cup. However with just over a month to the Women U-17, the chairman of the normalization committee feels the MRI test could be done anytime soon. Click on the play button to listen to more…….

OB Conateh refutes claims the women U-17 foot their own bills

Vows that heads will roll at the FA if someone proves this rumour right The chairman of the normalization committee, Alhagie OB Conateh, has again denied that the women U-17 players paid their own fares to and from the training ground. He said that this issue of the women U-17 paying their own fares amazed him, because his committee has given money for the girls to be ferried to and from their homes for training. He however calls for someone to confirm all these troubling rumours to him, and heads will roll at the FA. The Wallidan CEO who heads the committee brought to normalized Gambian football also denied that women U-17 halted their training sessions. Click on the play button to listen to the more from OB……….

Minister Jammeh calls for right age in youth football

Revealing that age cheating is the reason for Gambia’s withdrawal from the 2013 African U-17 qualifiers

The minister of youth and sports, Hon Alieu K Jammeh has revealed that age cheating is the reason why The Gambia withdrew its U-17 from the 2013 African U-17 qualifying series. The Gambia were tied against West African rivals, Ghana but according to the youth and sports minister, time has gone when The Gambia field in over age players. Minister Jammeh made these remarks over the weekend at the Independence Stadium where he watched Gamtel thrashed the Police Force side, Interior FC 3-0 in the FA Cup final. “The Gambia have withdrawn from the African U-17 qualifiers because we felt we don’t have the right players. Instead we will device a new mechanism where we will look into our school systems and select players from this level for the upcoming U-17s. We will not risk using over age players again. The 2009 experience is enough to teach us a great lesson and we can’t afford it to be repeated,” Jammeh told reporters. The Gambia’s withdrawal was romoured couple of weeks ago but the sitting Secretary General of the GFA Abdul Salam Jammeh vehemently denied it. But with these revelations made by the minister of youth and sports, it is certain The Gambia that once made a name at the cadet level of African and World football won’t make the numbers in the 2013 African U-17 championship. The youth and sports minister however called on the normalization committee and whosoever is coming into football administration to avoid been trapped in age cheating and look that the schools for the junior categories.

OB claims withdrawal is due to lack of funds Meanwhile, the chairman of the normalization committee, Alhagie OB Conateh, said the football association is cash trapped that is why they withdrew from the qualifiers. OB said; “We are giving priority to the U-20 because we want a team that can replace our national team.” Asked whether age factor has also played a part in The Gambia withdrawing from the U-17 qualifiers, the veteran sports administrator said; “We want to go back and work with schools as far as the youth system is concern. We will invite someone from the sports to sit in all our committees. He will then be the liaison between the FA and the schools. With this we will have the right ages for the U-17.”

Task force to probe GFA division one league match fixing scandal

Weeks after it came to light that, Armed Forces FC, vice champions of the 2011-12 league season have written a formal letter urging the GFA to investigate allegations of match fixing, the Normalisation Committee of the Gambia Football Association has set up a Taskforce committee to probe into the matter. It would be recalled that the former coach of young African, Pa Samba Mbenga has alleged that his team was involved in match fixing in their match against champions Real de Banjul in the eve of the final round of matches which his side lost 1-3. Responding to that official complaint lodged by the Armed Forces Football Club, the normalization committee, brought to normalize Gambian football has appointed the following persons to probe into the matter. They Lawyer Cherno Marenah, Chairman; Lawyer Gaye Sowe, Member; George Gomez, Member and Baboucarr Jobe, Secretary The committee according to the media release signed by the GFA media officer, Bakary B Baldeh states that the terms of reference(TOR) of the Task Force are to look into allegations of match fixing in the match between Real De Banjul v Young Africans, invite persons connected with the match in question and record their evidence in writing, gather any other evidence relevant to the allegations made, compile a report containing material facts and recommendations to be sent to Normalisation Committee of the GFA within four weeks of its sitting.

Regions intensify their fight for more recognition

Days after sources close to the Daily Observer states that FIFA officials who were in the country raised an eye-brow on increasing the number of delegates and voting rights from the region in the draft constitution of the GFA, the regional clubs have further formerly written a protested letter they called their expulsion from Gambian football. The letter sent to the secretary general of the Gambia Football Association, Abdul Salam Jammeh in response to its original letter. Below is the letter We write acknowledging the receipt of your reply letter on our protest and the content noted.However, your description of our position as false, erroneous and misleading was consumed with a “pinch of salt”. But we will endeavour to explore and use the best of tones to put our cases across the football spectrum. We write once again to strongly express our dissatisfaction about emerging issues affecting our football in the region. While we expect the Normalisation Committee on Gambian Football to shade light on the deliberate attempts to change specific articles of The Gambia Football Association’s Constitution, the reply is infested with a catalogue of development initiatives conceived by the Normalisation Committee, and it is evident that nothing can be achieved without the participation of the regions. As an August body responsible for coordinating regional league football, we also noted with great concern the Normalisation Committee’s latest attempt to modify and change the provisions of the following Articles:-ARTICLE 23 Delegates and Votes 1 (A) two delegates from each of the 12 First Division national League Clubs. Instead of 12, it should be 18 including the 6 Regional First Division teams. 23 1 (b) two delegates from each of the 10 second Division national League clubs. Instead it should be 20 including the 10-second division regional teams. 23 1(d) two delegates from each regional league association (clubs) Instead, it should be two delegates from each regional club and not association. 23.1 (e) two delegates from each of the six women league clubs. Instead, it should be 12 league clubs including the 6 from the regional women league clubs. 23.5 members of the Executive Committee and the General Secretary shall take part in the general assembly without voting rights. During their term of office, members of the executive committee shall not be appointed as delegates for their associations. Instead, members of the executive committee shall be pointed as delegates from their clubs and not associations with voting rights.ARTICLE 11 MEMBERSHIPS 11.1 The following entities shall be eligible for membership to the GFA:- 1 )(a The 12 First Division clubs. Instead, it should ben18 first division clubs including the 6 first division clubs from the region. 1 (b) The 10 second division clubs. Instead, it should be 20-second division clubs including the second division clubs from the regions ARTICLE 33 GFA EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 1 (e) Seven other members who shall represent each of the region al football leagues. Instead, it should read: Seven members of the club representatives from the regions as recommended in the FIFA approved statues of the Gambia Football Association. 33.5 Candidates for the position of President and Vice President of the Executive must have a minimum qualification of an advanced diploma in any field of study. The positions of President and Vice President are not academic functions and the requirement attached to it is not relevant. Furthermore, your arbitrary attempt to make amendments and changes in the GFA constitution which you claim to align with FIFA standards, records shows that membership of that body is not broad-based. Infact, part of that assignment has been successfully completed and congress was to decide on the draft approved by FIFA. All the required inputs suggested by the World Football governing body have been drafted in. However, your Normalisation sub-committee set up to align the constitution with FIFA recommended one is seen to malign the region from both voting and representation. Attach with is a letter of FIFA approved statutes of Gambian Football Association. With regards to your earlier claim that the regions have not been sidelined from Gambian football, why then has it been conspicuously clear that the FA cup championship does not include the regions and even talk of them being mentioned. A competition like the FA Cup provides the platform to expose our regional contingents to the talent show and exposures forming the bases for the national team selections. History has associated regions to a lot of success stories in the FA Cup competitions which were NATIONAL as opposed to your new Normalization device of Urbanizing Gambian football and further elbowing the regions from the national cake which is for all of us. The region also note with apprehension, the abortion of our running First Division Regional league shortly before Gambia/Algeria game in February. We are now calling for an unconditional resumption of our regional league just as the national league. Attach with are official Fixtures of both regional First division Male and Female as well as the FA Cup. It must be born in mind that these issues are viewed with utmost seriousness as they form the bases for the future of football in the regions and the country as a whole. We also wish to remind the general public that the decision to create parallel leagues (National and Regional) is not accidental. The idea was taken based on principles such as inadequate infrastructures for the travelling teams. This example is just next-door when teams in the Southern regions of Senegal are scheduled for matches in the North.

Women U-17 footing their transport bills

Chairman of normalization refutes claims, relatives confirm claim is true Impeccable source circulating around town is that players of the women U-17 are paying their own transport fares to and from their training ground. However, the chairman of the GFA Normalization Committee, Alhagie OB Conateh vehemently denied such rumours saying; “This is not true.” On the contrary, relatives and family members of some of these players confirm that ‘the players are footing their own bills to and from the training ground.’ The debate was triggered in a popular sports program on City Limits Radio leaving the chairman of the normalization calling to rubbish the claim. But shortly after denying that the girls are paying to get to their training, two relatives of these girls called in to confirm that their relatives who play for the U-17 ask for money from them day-in, day-out. OB said, “I am not aware that the girls are paying to get to their training ground. In fact they are not training at this moment so where does this come from?” Nyima Ceesay who claims to be a sister of one of the players in the team said: “My sister has been requesting transport fares from us to transport her to and from their training venues. It’s not once, twice or thrice but many times. In fact sometimes she does not go to train if we can’t provide for her,” Ceesay said. Natoma Sonko who identifies herself as an aunt to one of the players said; “Let them tell us the truth because it is true that the players are paying their own fares to go to train. I have personally given fares to this said girl about four times. She does not go to train if she does not have money from us. So let’s them not deny what is happening.” Natoma said that the players want to talk about this problem but they are scared of being omitted from the team. Meanwhile, one player who confided with Na Gambia News said; “I have personally paid fares to Serekunda East, and to the FIFA Gold Project in Yundum. But I can’t talk about this because I don’t want to be omitted from the team. They might deny it in the media but they won’t say this to us. I think we deserve all respect like the men,” she said.

Armed Forces ask GFA to prove match-fixing allegationsArmed Forces football club, the vice champions of the GFA league, have spoken by urging the football authorities to take a close look at the allegations made by Pa Samba Mebengue, a former employee of Young Africans. Pa Samba was quoted in some media as saying that his side his charges give away the three points on the eve Real de Banjul were crown champions.

The standard newspaper reported that the soldier club formally lodged a request at the Football House asking the FA to investigate allegations made by former Young Africans FC coach, Pa Samba Mbengue. Real beat Young Africans 3-1 to overtake Armed Forces and clinched the title by one point but the losing coach on the night said he could not recognise his players who had obviously refused to take his instructions and match plan, and when he confronted some of them at half time, senior players told him, “Coach do not worry yourself, these people have talked this one out'', meaning officials of Real and Young Africans had decided the outcome of the match before hand. Real de Banjul officials have said they are yet to study the allegations fully while Young African managers have issued a strongly worded denial accusing their sacked coach of being disgruntled. Now though, the team that was most affected by the result, Armed Forces who would have clinched the title in case of a draw or a Young Africans win, have written to the GFA expressing fury, frustration and grave concern over the allegations and calling for an investigation into the matter. 'We have surely written to the GFA expressing our concern about this. Our aim is just to be sure that no doubt is left in our minds or those of good Gambian football lovers and players who believed and trust in the integrity and fairness of all stakeholders of our game,'' a source close to the Armed Forces told The Standard. Meanwhile officials at the GFA have confirmed receipt of the Armed Forces letter but would not give details.

OB plays down Senegalo-Gambia co-host option

The chairman of the GFA Normalization Committee, Alhagie OB Conateh, has played down reports monitored on Senegalese media that Senegal is planning a joint bid to co-host the 2019 African Cup of Nations with The Gambia. “As of now, we cannot talk about this because we have not received anything regarding such. As I speak to you now, the Senegalese Football Association has not written or mentioned anything of such nature to us. So, it will be premature to talk about it now.” Last week, Senegalese media reported that Senegalese football authorities are setting their sights on a possible co-hosting of the 2019 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Gambia, a nation that has never hosted the continental championship. Though this is one way that The Gambia can make its debut continental football competition, the veteran sportsman and administrator has played down talks when he called on City Limits Radio’s Mega Sports Bite show to shed more light on the rumour. “This is not something you people should talk about because you cannot just pick something on the papers and have it discussed on your show. Like I said, we have not been contacted by Senegal for such a bid,” OB said. However, OB said that, “it will be a great opportunity if this is true but again to shed more light on what one of the panelist said, even with our one stadium, The Gambia can co-host the African Cup of Nations with Senegal and not four stadia as your panelists mentioned.”

Pa Faye: National team is every Gambian business

The assistant director of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Pa Suwareh Faye has called of all Gambian to put their hands together and support the female national team to step up their preparation ahead of the FIFA U-17 World Cup due in September. “We must all be prepared to fund this national team because they are going to Azerbaijan to fly the Gambian flag high. So, all Gambians must be prepared to dip in and support and not wait on the government to do everything.” The assistant director was reacting to remarks made on City Limits Radio’s Mega Sports Bite that it is about time for the team to begin serious preparations ahead of the world cup. To the director, the producer of the program is right to come up with the topic for people to know what is going on. “This is what we need to enlighten people about things happening.” He also encourage journalists to go out to the authorities concern to look for news rather speculate He said the ministry and the normalization committee are putting together effort and ideas on how best to prepare the team for world cup. “We had a very fruitful meeting with the normalization committee and very soon we will come up with something for the girls. We were all happy when the team qualifies. We made promises and we will make sure we keep the promises because this team is our team.”

Buba K Jallow: “We are not going just to kick balls but to win”

Despite drawn in a group many felt is a tough group, the head coach of the U-17 Buba K Jallow has told FIFA.com that his side is not just going to Azerbaijan to kick balls around but to compete. Buba was at the draw that pitted The Gambia alongside France, USA and Democratic People’s Republic of Korea in Group B and after the draw Jallow said, “We are not going to Azerbaijan just to kick the ball around. We’re going there to win. We’re in a competition and winning it is our only aim. We don’t care who our opponents are because it will be 11 against 11. Our objective is to bring the trophy back to Gambia,” Buba K. Jallow. For his part, USA assistant coach Kerry Reid Bradley said, “It’s a very interesting group but it’s a tough one. We’re up against Korea DPR, who we often meet in competitions and are a hard team to beat. We’ve also got France, who are one of the best European teams, and then Gambia.” Meanwhile, Korea DPRcoach Yong Bong Hwang said, “We’re going to try and go as far as we can in this competition. We’ve been drawn in Group B, which is a very difficult pool. We don’t know that much about our opponents but we do know we’ve got some hard matches ahead of us.” Gambia will open its account against North Korea, the country that won the inaugural FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in 2008, defeating the USA 2-1 in extra-time. The North Koreans also advanced to the semifinal of the 2010 tournament, where they fell to Japan and then lost again in the third-place match to Spain. The Gambia’s next opponent will be the USA. The meeting against the USA will not be an easy one as the USA were favored to win the 2010 CONCACAF Women’s U-17 Championship held in Costa Rica, winning their group and scoring 32 goals. However, they suffered a stunning loss to Canada in the semifinals, on a penalty shootout. The final group game will be against an always talented French side. Of the 42 teams that went through the qualifying rounds in Europe, France made it to the semifinals along with Switzerland, Denmark and Germany. In the semifinals, France defeated Switzerland 5-1 and Germany beat Denmark 2-0. In the championship game, the two European powers tied 1-1 before the Germans eventually prevailed in penalty kicks. The tournament is due between 22 September and 13 October in Baku and Lankaran.

FIFA officials left Banjul jerking at draft GFA constitution Observer Sports has reported that the two-man FIFA officials that were on an official mission to The Gambia left unimpressed with the new draft constitution of the Gambia Football Association (GFA). Primo Carvalo and Posper Abega were in Banjul as guests of the GFA with a view to meeting key stakeholders in Gambian football among them, the normalisation committee of the GFA and the constitutional review committee on the way forward to Gambian football. The duo met the normalisation committee on how to map out the way forward and the Constitutional Review Committee on the GFA draft constitution with the aim of amending and aligning it with the FIFA recommended statutes. According to the Observer Sports, a close source has revealed to them that the two officials were left dissatisfied with three main sections of the constitution. “The FIFA delegation asked the Constitution Review Committee to scrap off Article 33.5 and Article 45.3, the GFA Executive Committee candidate and the General Secretary position respectively. “In another vein, the delegation also tasked the Committee to give each regional football association three voting rights instead of the two votes in the draft constitution. “Article 33.5 of the Draft GFA constitution states that candidates vying for the position of President and Vice President of the Executive must have a minimum qualification of an Advanced Diploma in any field of study. “Article 45.3 on the position of the General Secretary also states that the General Secretary must hold a minimum qualification of a University Degree while Article 45.2 states that the General Secretary should be appointed on the basis of a written contract of employment,” Observer Sports reported. According to our source, the reason why the FIFA delegation asked the Gambian authorities to scrap off the Articles in the constitution is that the position of a President and Vice President are not academic functions and the requirements attached to it are not relevant anywhere in the world and The Gambia shouldn’t be any exception. The FIFA delegation cited the FIFA president, Sepp Blatter as an example saying; “the Gambia cannot be an exception,” The source further went on to add that the FIFA officials were not happy with section D of Article 23 – Delegates and votes.The whole Section of Article 23 states as reproduced below: a) Two delegates from each of the twelve national first division league clubs b) Two delegates from each of the ten national second division league clubs c) Two delegates from each of the ......third division national league clubs d) Two delegates from each regional football association (clubs)??? e) Two delegates from each of the six women league clubs. f) Two delegates from the referees association g) Two delegates from the coaches association And Article 23.2 states that “each delegation have one voting right” while Article 23.3 further went onto add that “only delegates present (at the congress) are entitled to vote. The FIFA delegation according to our source was not happy with the fourth section of Article 23 which states that two delegates from each regional football association (clubs) and instead, the world football governing body has tasked the review committee to adjust the number of delegates from two to three.

GFA SG denies Gambia withdrawal from African U-17 Championship

Following romours that The Gambia won’t take part in the qualifying series of the 10th edition of the African U-17 championship due to financial constraints, the Secretary General of the Gambia Football Association told Observer Sports that the country has not withdrawn from the qualifiers. Observer Sports reported that, the General Secretary of The Gambia Football Association, Abdul Salam Jammeh has refuted claims that The Gambia has withdrawn its U-17 from the 2013 championship. He said, “The country has not withdrawn from any competition. We have not withdrawn from any competition and currently we are preparing for the U-20s participation in the qualifiers [the first leg is away to] against Morocco towards the end of this month. It is not true that we have pulled out in any competition for now because if we had, I would’ve been the one to write to CAF and I have no directive to do so,” Salam stated. Abdul Salam Jammeh further said that the GFA has already prepared its budget and sent it to the Ministry of Youth and Sports and that they are looking forward to the qualifiers until it says otherwise.The Young Scorpions are drawn against the Black Starlets of Ghana in September for the Championship due to be held in Morocco from the 13th to 27th April 2013.

Fifa officials on an official visit in The Gambia

Two FIFA officials are currently in The Gambia for a two-day official visit. The duo who are in the country as the guest of the committee instituted to normalize football were in town since Wednesday July 4 and are expected to depart today, 5th July 2012. The visitors are Primo Carvalo, head of FIFA Football Associations, and Prosper Abega, senior administrator at FIFA. These FIFA officials are expected to among other things meet members of the GFA Normalisation Committee on the state of Gambian football with a view to mapping out a way forward. An earlier media release from the GFA stated that the FIFA officials would discuss with the Constitutional Review Committee on the GFA draft constitution with the aim of amending and aligning it with the FIFA recommended statutes. They will also pay a courtesy call to the Minister of Youth and Sports, Alieu K. Jammeh, in Banjul on Wednesday 4 July 2012. Mr. Primo and Mr. Abega will wrap up their sojourn visit to The Gambia on Thursday, 5 July 2012 with visit football facilities in the Greater Banjul Area before they take on the normalization committee on an exhibition match at the under-utilized FIFA Gold Project.

Coaches attend FIFA Women’s U-17 World Cup draw

Two coaches, Buba K Jallow and his assistant Mariama Sowe alias ‘Bom’ leave Banjul for Azerbaijan to witness the draw for the 2012 FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup to be held in the Baku. The draw will take place on Friday and all participating teams are expected to be represented. Jallow and Sowe will both sit on an egg at the International Mugan Centre in Baku at 19:00hrs as the draw decides who takes on who in the group stages of the World Cup 2012 in Azerbaijan.A media release from the GFA stated that the duo are expected to join their colleagues for the nerve racking moments ahead of the Women’s summer football showpiece due from September 22nd to October 13th 2012. The Gambia will join fellow West African counterparts Ghana and Nigeria as Africa’s three representatives at the summer championship. The Gambia is participating at such finals for the first time while the other two West African neighbours are marking their third successive appearance at the tournament. The Gambia Female team has since begun preparations for the summer championship. The team is preparing at the under-utilized FIFA Gold Project called the Center of Excellence.

40th, Gambia’s latest FIFA rankingThe drop in Fifa’s monthly ranking continues as the scorpions continued it poor run of form After the Scorpion’s poor run of form in The 2012 African Cup of Nations qualifiers, The Gambia has constantly dropped in the monthly FIFA, Coco-Cola ranking. The Gambia could not improve on their last month ranking as it slip to 40th in Africa and 128 at world stage. The Gambia’s previous ranking released in June saw the Gambia sitting 28 and 108 in Africa and world respectively.

The scorpions could only manage a draw out of three matches in the last three outing leaving them with 251points. The scorpions drew one all with morocco and lost 2-1 to Tanzania in the 2014 world cup qualifiers before going ahead to lost honourably 4-1 to the desert foxes of Algeria in the second stage of the 2013 African Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Scorpions next opponents are Ivory Coast and Morocco. The scorpions will travel to Abidjan to face Ivory Coast in March 2013 before they host the Drogba lead Elephants in the first weekend of June. Mancini will then travel with his Scoprions to Rabat to face Morocco June 14.

The question though is, how can The Gambia improve on its FIFA ranking in the upcoming months?

Wrestling prexy acknowledge organisational lapse

After watching his association staged the first ever nationwide wrestling championship, the president of The Gambia Wrestling Association, Matarr Jarjue has acknowledged that the event was a failure. Jarjue, the former wrestling champion accepted that taking the nationwide event to the Independence Stadium was an ambitious dream that was hard to realize. He said, “If the championship was taken to places like Serrekunda, Banjul, Sukuta, Brufut or Tanji, we would have had more spectators than this one. It seems the people of Bakau don’t like wrestling because the turnout was extremely low.” Measuring the organizational level of the highly profiled, yet poorly attended event, the president said, the organizational level still leave a room for improvement.Click below to listen to him

I waited for so long- Lamin TouraySwedish base Gambian golfer Lamin Touray, who conquered the recently ended Gambian Open has said that he has waited for such time to come for a very long time. Touray who edged past all other golfers in the GNOC sponsored gambian open said, “this is an opportunity that he has long been waiting for.” According to him it took him many years of waiting but thankfully the time has come and he took it in good faith. He also reveals how he left his counterparts behind in the audio below…………….For more click to listen

Young Africans FC denounces Pa Samba Mbenga

As the club denies his claims that Young Africans gave Real the championship through match fixing

A media release signed by Malang Darboe, Secretary General of Young Africans FC has denied all allegations made by sacked coach Pa Samba Mbenga that young Africans fixed the match on the final day of the 2011-2012 league season. Despite denying that his side was not involved in match fixing against Real de Banjul on the eve Real was crowned the 2011-2012 league champions, it was rumoured that the sacked coach was going around telling people that Young Africans fixed that match. The release states that, “it has never and will never be involved in match fixing.” It went further to state that, “The club prepared very well as usual during its game against Real De Banjul but it was defeated by Real De Banjul. If there was any match fixing during that match it might be possible that it was led by the coach himself because he was the coach during the match.” The release further states that, “The management of the club sacrificed a lot in building what is today a viable club and what the sacked coach is accusing the club of doing is a figment of his imagination and wondered why he took over a week to come up with the claim after denying it outright in the media. May be he was not happy with the sacking.” The release went on to state that, Pa Samba Mbenga failed miserably during the campaign as he did not meet any of their expectations claiming that the performance of the club was not consistent. “The team played twenty-two matches (22) matches in the league, won only five matches and conceded more goals this season than other seasons in the history of the club. “There was no improvement in the performance of the team. The team spent over three hundred thousand dalasis (300, 000.00) this season. “He was unable to control his own players or present a suitable team as the league progresses; some of the key players left the club because of his attitude towards those players, the release added. The release also blames Pa Samba’s managerial approach to the failure of the club saying; “He was unable to accommodate the views of our sponsors and management, in particular pertaining to his management style, which was dictatorial and as a result there was no option left but to sack him. The release challenged Pa Samba mention the names of officials involved in the match fixing because match fixing is not normally a one-sided issue, because payment is involved. The release reveals that Pa Samba was very good at instigating players, which dearly affected the performance of the team. “The management of the club wanted to sack him at the end of the first round but we were persuaded by some members that he should be given the opportunity to continue to manage the team until the end of the league. Management believes that the only viable way is to restructure the team and look for someone more competent enough to manage the club.” Despite slapping him on the face, the release went on to wish Pa Samba Mbenga all the best in his future coaching endeavours.

Wrestling needs more involvement- VP Saidy

After watching the nationwide wrestling championship held at the Independence Stadium over the weekend, the vice president of The Gambia, Dr. Aja Isatou Njie Saidy said, “It is everyone’s business to see that wrestling in The Gambia grows.”

The VP made a surprise visit to the national wrestling championship on Saturday where wrestlers from all the regions in The Gambia converge for the first ever nationwide wrestling championship. Knowing how the traditional sport has transform the lives of youth in the neighbouring Senegal, Madam Njie Saidy calls on all Gambians to join hands in taking Gambian wrestling to the next level. “I think it is everybody’s business, not just the Wrestling Association. The association is just coordinating but it is every Gambian’s business to see that wrestling is back alive.” The VP hinted that wrestling is a cultural sport that belongs to all tribes and that it should be promoted at the regional level to increase participation and popularity. “I think everybody; regional governors, chiefs; alkalos and all the sport committees should show interest in wrestling. This is ours and it creates employment for the young people. So, I am calling on Gambians to respond.” VP Njie-Saidy went on to challenge the youths to be involved in the art of wrestling. “Wrestling is serving as a source of employment for some youth in Senegal so I am calling on every youth to start practising,” she concluded.

Daily Observer: Three permanent secretaries have been removed Mam Mbanyick Njie of youth and sports among the threeDaily observer newspaper has revealed that reports reaching them states that three permanent secretaries have been removed from the civil serveice since Friday. Daily Observer: “The three namely ; Saihou TMF Sanyang, permanent secretary No. 1 at the Ministry of Regional Administration, Lands and Traditional Rulers; Mambanjick Njie, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Youth and Sports and Kebba Sonko, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Forestry and the Environment had their services terminated effective last Friday.” Not many reasons were advance for the trios removal from the civil service.

Max Jallow: Briefcase associations must go away

Momodou Max Jallow has rubbished the idea of national associations running without an office. He said: “an association without an office should not be accepted in this country.” He claimed that, “this is why sports is not well contested in this country. He said his office will not accept people to use their associations as an avenue for cheap popularity of for traveling opportunities. He stressed that associations should go across the length and breadth of the country not just sensitizing provincial people about their sports but making sure that their sports is practiced everywhere in the country. Max however clarified that the reason why the Gambia Paralympic Committee is also dissolved is because they have not covered the length and breadth of the country. He said: “The Gambia Paralympic Committee went on a nationwide tour to sensitize people but how frequently do they organize event countrywide,” click on the play button to listen to more

Max Jallow: Associations not dissolved but de-registered

Despite announcing the dissolution of over 20 sporting association, the executive secretary of the National Sports Council, Momodou Max Jallow has denied that there was nowhere in the press release where the word dissolve was contained. Max made these remarks when he was reacting to the reactions made some sporting associations who felt the dissolution of the associations was undone. According to Max, the associations were not dissolved but de-registered and unless they regularize themselves, they will not be recognized as national associations.

Handball lack the merit to be called a national association says Max Jallow

The executive secretary of the National Sports Council, Momodou Max Jallow has claimed that handball lacks the merits to be called a national association. Max was reacting to Haruna Chams claim that even the National Sports Council commends them for the work they are doing in the country. The Executive secretary said that what Handball presented to them as their re-registration lacks certain things so his office was forced to put them under the list of dissolved associations.

It is no more a secret that the former technical director of The Gambia Football Association has assumed the technical directorate position. The same news also states that Kabba Masanneh Ceesay has been demoted to work as Mr. Njie’s immediate assistant. The move many to demote Kabba Ceesay as the technical director and elevate Musa Njie is in line with the normalisation committee’s move of normalising Gambian football. When the normalisation was instituted, one of their responsibilities was to set up a vibrant technical department for the GFA. Before his reappointment as the technical director, Njie worked as the stadium manager and also as the technical director of the GFA. Njie the former national team player studied in the USA and while at College, he represented his country

He has an array of knowledge in sports administration citing that he also works as the deputy director and then director at the Department of Youth He also became the technical adviser to former Youth and Sports Minister Samba Faal.

GFA calls off nationwide tour

With time not in their favour as the deadline to their term draws near, the Normalisation Committee of the GFA will have to choose other days for its nationwide tour. The tour meant to meet and sensitise all stakeholders countrywide did not went as planned with no tangible reasons given. The tour to meet stakeholders in the regions was to sensitise them on the changes at the helm of affairs of the GFA, re-organisation of the GFA League, restructuring of football in the regions and review the GFA Constitution with the view to amending and aligning it with the FIFA accepted statues has been postponed until further notice.

A release sent to all media houses states that the postponement of the sensitisation tour is necessitated by circumstances beyond the control of the GFA. In the same release, the Normalisation Committee wishes to reassure the general public and its major stakeholders in the regions of its burning desire to continue working with them for the greater good of the game and would duly inform them of the new dates of the tour as soon as possible.

Gambia needs a break from international football

Author: Gibril MS Jassey Sukuta VillageGambian football needs to undergo a five-year break in order to develop our players from the grassroots level. The current performance of our players in the senior national team the (scorpions) is very woeful. Our players seriously lack ability compared to other countries national teams. They easily get tired, when playing. Is it that they lack enough training time to prepare themselves against their opponents? The recent performance of the Scorpions against Algeria both at home and away and as well against Morocco at home is very disappointing. The way our team plays is like there is no team spirit among them. Is it because our players are not well motivated so that they can give the country their best of performance when playing for the Gambia or is it because, our so-called foreign based players are not up to the same standard compared to other players from other national teams? I think it is even better we concentrate on our local based players and give them all the necessary motivation needed and do away with our self claimed professionals who cannot bring any gloryfor the country. It is hard to say but our foreign-based players are not up to standard for us to surely rely on them, if we want to achieve any qualification to any major tournaments at the senior level. Our recent humiliating defeat by the Desert Foxes of Algeria by four goals to one is very embarrassing. We are known to be best in anything we participate in. So why can’t we still be able to qualify to serious football competitions like the nation’s cup and stop boasting of the U-17’s achievements at the junior level? Since 1952, the Gambia Football Association (GFA) got affiliated to both the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA; we cannot even qualify to any major tournament at the senior level. We cannot even win the Zone II tournament. The U-17 we won twice and qualified for world championships in Peru and Canada respectively cannot be called any major achievement in football. U-17 is an amateur tournament where there is no serious reward given to any winning country that the nation can benefit from. We need to do away with friendship in football and start telling each other the truth so that we can achieve something now. We want to watch our players playing at the nations and world cups now. Gambian Football has gone beyond that level now to be managed by a group of individuals for their own selfish interest at the expense of the country. We are tired of hearing from our coaches and technicians saying that our luck ends here and there. So we need to go back to the drawing board to correct our mistakes. The drawing boards are now full for mistake ratifications. There is no more space for you to write and correct your never corrected errors. I think the solution to all this is to take a five-year break and develop a team from the grassroots level. We really need to take a serious five year break from all international football and hire the services of well respected local or international technicians to look into the problems of our football and come up with recommendations and solutions to the obstacles hindering the progress of our game. Gambian football is really having s serious disease which is affecting its growth unlike other nations. Our football has been on the decline since our famous goalless and 1-1 draws with the Terenga Lions of Senegal in June and October of 2008 respectively. That team was a marvelous one. They need commendation. For this to be made possible it involves the full participation of all the stakeholders in football and here are some of my recommendations to all.The National League The national league, which is supposed to serve as a main source of supplying national team players to all categories needs a serious restructuring. Our national league is not cared for that much. Is it because of the caliber of footballers we have in our leagues or is it because the leagues normally start late? Sometimes it is very disgusting when you walk into a league match and find less than fifty spectators at the venue. Or is it that teams are not owned by a community that is why spectators don’t follow teams when playing to cheer them up? Brikama United’s achievements can somehow be attributed to the support of their fans who normally follow them in all their matches and the support of the Brikama community in general. We need to support our football if we want to achieve glory. Football cannot go without spectators and ambiance. Without proper national league it would be very difficult to achieve any meaningful development in the game of football. Football teams need to motivate their players very well both morally and financially if they want to expect any meaningful reward in return.Football is now a profession and it needs to be taken as a full time employment. Players need to be looked after and also allocated a monthly remuneration or even monthly family support in the area of feeding and housing as a way to make them concentrate on their careers. A player cannot give his best in any match if he cannot even provide a bag of rice for his family at home out of football or your family member is sick and you cannot even have money to buy medicine or pay the medical bills. If such player is to play a particular match, he would not be able to concentrate or even perform up to expectation. Our local-based players need to be well motivated and cared for at all times if we need to have players plying their trade in major European leagues. Our players cannot be beggars to their officials whenever they need help. They should be partners but not the other way round. Sometimes you would see a particular player to be loyal to an individual official in the team just because he always solves his financial needs. Sometimes you meet players hanging around the team officials’ offices or compounds waiting for drawback to be taken home for family support instead of going home to rest to prepare themselves for the team’s training session or league matches. A clear example can be Gamtel/Gamcel FC, Real De Banjul; to name but a few, their recent excellent performance in the national league can be attributed to player motivation. If the teams are struggling to live up to their expectation, the national football governing body-GFA should also stand up and come up with strategies to look for sponsorship for the league. Because it’s very disheartening for a team to win a national league and the FA Cup when you cannot give them their consolidation prizes on the spot but take you some many years to give them their prizes or some even end up not having it at all. There should be a permanent marketing team installed by the FA in collaboration with the sports Ministry to secure funding for the football and not only when there is international matches. To be candid, if our local league is not properly structured, our football cannot go anywhere. There are so many big companies in the country. If at least twenty of them can be encouraged to sponsor the national league with each contributing an amount of D0.5 million and be given some percent knock-off from their tax by the state as compensation in return it would really yield dividends. That contribution would be an amount of D10 million. From that money any winner of the league can be given D5 millionand the FA cup winner to be given D250 000 and the balance of the money to be shared among the other competing teams as participation cost. If this is done within a five-year period our league would be well recognized and as well empower our local teams financially and it will also attract serious football scouts to the country. Our national league should be our main area of concentration to identify potential players and groom them for our future senior national teams. The performance of goalkeeper Christopher Allen against Morocco and Algeria is extremely wonderful. If players like him can be identified and train together collectively and give them huge financial motivation they will surely qualify the nation to the African nations cup in the near future.Technicians In a bid to do well in any competition, the coaching staff of any particular team need to have well technical minded technicians who can be able to read any particular match to identify the problems and advise the coach immediately. Our senior national players can score first in most of the games but defending their lead is always the problem. Is it because they lack enough energy or there is no proper technical back up to advise the coaching staff when any particular player is not performing well at his area in the field of play? We need seasoned technicians and not a technical department that would be pocketed by our so-called foreign based players. It’s high time we stop licking each other’s wounds and start telling each other the truth as a way forward to develop the game. People should not be brought into the technical staff because he is a friend or he belongs to the team he supports. Technicians should be persons who know the game at their finger tips. The success of Osama Doudu at the U-17 in 2005 was because he was supported by a dedicated technical staff that had the same vision with him and respects one another’s opinions, but not like now where a coaching staff would be having their own camps and blaming players and lack of proper training camp whenever the team loses. A coach should be a firm somebody and be bold enough to take decisions but not to be dictated by individuals.The Media Football in any nation cannot be developed without the support of the media. The role of the media in the game of football is very crucial. The people in the media though can have their individual players and technicians they fancy but they should not show it to the public as their role is to serve as PR between the players, the technicians and the general public. The local media need to really help the FA in their efforts to develop the game, especially in the area of publicity both at local and international matches. But our duty should not only stop at castigating players, technicians and the FA whenever they commit an error, but we should be coming up with ideas in our various radio programmes or publications to address the problems constructively. Not to name any media house, but there are some of them which are very supportive to the FA when there is an international match, in the area of advertisement and also providing in-depth coverage of the national league. Kudus to them and let them keep it up. Sometimes it is very frustrating when you tune into some radio sports shows or you bought a national newspaper and the only thing you hear or read about is international sports. Let us try to promote our own players and also give our national league a deserving media attention, which would surely help the FA in attracting potential sponsors into the league. Long live Gambian football and thanks to all the players, technicians, the FA, supporters, the media, the Ministry of youth and sports and as well the head of state for the support he has been rendering to football. We are very grateful for making our players millionaires. Please your support is also needed in the national league.

Boxing, Cycling and Handball react to Sports Council’s decision The Gambia Cycling Association and The Gambia Handball Association have reacted strongly to the National Sports Council’s claims that they are not fit to be called a national association and should henceforth seize to operate until they regularize their status. Since the news broke, not much was said by some dissolved associations. However, the Secretary General who doubles as the Public Relations Officer of the Cycling Association Mr. Edrisa Sah and Haruna Cham, the Secretary General of The Gambia Handball Association rubbished the claims that they are not fit to be called a national association. Meanwhile, Yusupha Jaiteh, the President of The Gambia Boxing Association whose associations name does not appear in any of the lists released by the Sports Council also had his jabs on the council.

Edrisa Sah Cycling SG,PRO

For the secretary general of The Gambia Cycling Association Mr Edrisa Sah, his association was the first to register when the national sports council called on associations to come register with them. So he found if defeating and challenging. Click on the play button to listen to more……

Haruna Cham Handball SG

For Haruna Cham, the Secretary General of The Gambia Handball Association, they met all the needs of the national sports council and the executives of the NSC are fully aware of this so he is completely surprise to see his association’s name in the list released. Click on the play button to listen to more……

Yusupha Jaiteh Boxing President

While other associations are crying for being referred to as not fit to be called a national association, The Gambia Boxing Association does not know under which category they fall under. Their name does not appear on either maintained or the dissolved associations. This prompted the president of the boxing association Mr. Yusupha Jaiteh to react questioning why his association’s name is not featured in one of the lists. He also uses his gloves to punch the NSC. Click on the play button to listen to more……

Scorpions Captain: We will accept the will of The Gambia people they prefer local playersMustapha Jarju’s captaincy has brought more failures than the glory all Gambians have been yarning for since the formation of the Gambia Football Association. Since he took up the captain armband, the Scorpions performances have dwindled drastically. With calls in some sectors of the media and fans for the football authorities to recruit home based scorpions rather than the bench warming professionals, captain Mustapha Tubabo Jarju has opined that he and his colleague will take it in good faith and continue praying for The Gambia to qualify to the African Cup of Nations if one day Gambians feel Gambians want a national team without foreign base players. Click on the play button to listen to more……

Malang Jassey: Scorpions need a renewed attitude

After seeing the scorpions battered 4-1 in Algeria and one 1-0 to lowly rated Tanzania, Malang Jassey, deputy permanent secretary at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, has called on players of the scorpions to change their attitude towards the nation. The DPS stressed that “The Gambia is more than one individual person and that a renewed attitude is needed by the scorpions in case they are called again.” Mr Jassey heads Gambian delegation and saw his nation battered 4-1 by Algeria in the second leg of the AFCON qualifiers, which thrashed Gambia’s hopes of making a debut appearance in a major football showpiece. Click on the play button to listen to more……

NSC set benchmark for endorsement of national sports associations

After announcing that they have dissolved 20 sporting associations, the national sports council has said that they have set a benchmark and all sporting associations must meet these criteria before they are allowed to re-register as national associations. The move came after the NSC publicly announced that they have dissolved 20 sporting associations because to them the associations in one way or the other failed to meet their benchmark. The move to dissolve these sporting associations through the media sparks a public debate and immediate reactions from some of the dissolved associations but with this latest release featuring the criteria, there could be a way forward. The criteria according to the council state that all sports associations must have at least 8 clubs to qualify to be called a national sports association in The Gambia. The sports associations must also cover at least four regions in The Gambia to decentralize their activities. It also states that sporting association must be able to organize national championship. Still advancing the criteria, The NSC added that all national sports associations must also affiliate to their parent bodies and must pay affiliation fee of D1,000 (one thousand dalasis) annually to the National Sports Council. The National Sports Council further stated that associations are required to conduct their AGM and congress as stipulated in their constitution and National Sports Council shall monitor their progress and shall submit end-of-year report and statement of account to the National Sports Council. Above all, all national sports associations are required to submit their National/International calendar of activities annually. The council also stressed that all associations and clubs must obtain clearance letter from the National Sports Council before traveling out of the country for international competitions. These criteria, according to the NSC, must be observed by regional sports committees.

Youth and Sports minister leads, GFA Normalization Committee follow

The normalisation committee instituted to normalise Gambian football has revealed that they will embark on a nationwide tour. The tour according to the committee will be headed by the minister of Youth and Sports, Alieu Kebba Jammeh. The Normalisation Committee Tuesday states that The delegation will begin the seven-day tour on Monday the 25th of June until the 29th when they will meet all the regions until they will take a brief break and resume on Tuesday the 3rdand 4th of July with a meeting with the Greater Banjul Areas in Banjul and Kafining Municipality. It will be the first time the Committee will embark on such a trip since the changes at the helm of affairs at the country’s supreme football governing body even though the regions were invited to a meeting at the GFA House in Kanifing last month. The Normalisation Committee added that among the issues to be discussed by the travelling party and their hosts will be the changes being made at the helm of affairs of the Gambia FA, the Re-organisation of the GFA Legaue matches, the Restructuring of football in the regions and the Review of the GFA Constitution with a view to amending and aligning it with the FIFA accepted statutes. On the first day of the tour, the travelling delegation will have their first stop in Farafenni in the North Bank Region where a meeting is scheduled for 11:00am. Another meeting will be held at the Governor’s Office at the Central River Region on Tuesday, the same time before they will have another night stop. Day three of the meeting will see the minister and entourage hold another meeting at the Governor’s Office at the Upper River Region before they leave for the Governor’s Office at the Lower River Region the following day on Thursday before wrapping-up the first leg with a meeting at the Governor’s Office at the West Coast Region in Brikama. The delegation will take a weekend break after the meeting at the West Coast Region Administrative Capital and will resume duty on Tuesday when they are scheduled to hold a meeting at the Office of the Lord Mayor of Banjul at 9:30 am before wrapping-up the tour with a lunchtime meeting at the lord mayor’s office at KMC. In view of the above, all stakeholders the FA announced in the regions are being notified of the sensitisation exercise. The GFA Normalisation Committee once again reiterates their resolve to restructuring Gambian football in an all-inclusive stakeholder participation.

NSC drop bombshell

By dissolving 20 sporting associations

After months of singing the same old song for sporting associations in The Gambia to regularize their sport or, risk been dissolved, The National Sports Council has finally acted. The NSC announced that they have decided to dissolve 20 sporting association and their executives.

Not many reasons where advanced as to why they dissolve these sporting associations as the only reason given is that the NSC wants national sports associations that will represent the will of the Gambian people, not personal interest and can guarantee success in the promotion and development of sports in the country. The dissolution of these sporting associations came months after the Ministry of Youth and Sports dissolved The Gambia Football Association. Announcing the dissolution of the GFA at that point the minister of youth and sports Hon. Alieu K Jammeh said The Gambia Football Association has not developed football to the expectation of the entire Gambian populace. Meanwhile, the press release issued Monday announcing the dissolution of these 20 sporting association did not clearly state the reasons why they have dissolve these associations but solicit the cooperation and support of the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the general public. The release further warns that individual or group of individuals that deal with the 20 (Twenty) Sports Associations mentioned above are doing it at their own risk. While issuing that warning, the release indicates The National Sports Council in consultation with the Honorable Minister will identify credible people run the concerned associations before a congress is held to elect a new executive. In conclusion, the release states that The National Sports Council will continue to ensure that national sports associations continue to conform to national and international rules, regulations, norms, standards and codes of conduct governing the particular sport.Under what powers can a national sports association be deregistered or dissolved 1. Empowered by its Act of parliament to register or deregister national sports associations as the case may be. Section 17 (1) of the Act gives that the National Sports Council the powers to keep and maintain a Register of National Sports Associations.2. Section 17 (2) states that Where any amendment is made to the constitution or rules of registered National Sports Associations, or any alteration occurs in any of the matters or things in respect whereof particulars are required to be given as prescribed, such National Sports Association shall forthwith give particulars in writing of such amendment or alteration, as the case maybe, to the Council.3. Section 17 (3) states that as soon as is practicable after receiving an application referred to in subsection (2), the Sports Council shall consider the application. If the National Sports Council is satisfied as to the suitability of the amendment, cause the amendment to be registered in the books of the Council.4. Section 18 (1) of the act states that where the Council considers that any registered National Sports Association has;(a) Ceased to operate as a National Sports Association, and Failed to comply with any provision of this Act, or(b) Conducted itself in a manner which is contrary to the National Interest(c) Failed to comply with its constitution,5. The Council may, after affording the National Sports Association concerned an opportunity of making representation on the matter, suspend, ban or expel all or any of its officers from holding office in any association registered under this Act. In light of the sections highlighted above, the National Sports Associations are duly recognized as National Sports Associations legible to operate in the country having fulfilled the criteria set out by the National Sports Council.1. Gambia Football Association2. Gambia Wrestling Association3. Gambia Golf Association4. Gambia Secondary School Sports Association5. Gambia Primary School Sports Association6. Gambia Cricket Association7. Gambia Sports Journalists Association8. National Inter department Association9. Gambia Athletic Association In the same vein the under-mentioned associations have with effect from 18th June 2012 ceased to be national sports associations and their executive committees if they have ever existed have been dissolved with immediate effect. 1. Gambia Fencing Association,2. Gambia Rugby Association,3. Gambia Kung-Fu Association4. Gambia Cycling Association5.Gambia Lawn Tennis Association6. Gambia Deaf and Hard of Hearing Association7. Gambia National Paralympics Association8. Gambia National Paralympics Committee9. Gambia Volley Ball Association10. Gambia Chess Association.11.Gambia Taekwondo Association 12. Gambia Weightlifting & Body Building Association13. Gambia Draught Association 14.Gambia Table Tennis Association15. Gambia Handball Association16. Gambia Swimming Association17. Gambia Scrabble Association18. Gambia Karate Association19. Gambia Special Olympics20. Gambia Softball Committee21. Combine Service Sports Association

Sang MendyThe former Minister of Youth and Sports now the mayor of Banjul, Samba Faal has revealed that he has been sidelined from football, so he decided to step aside from talking about Gambian football. The Banjul Mayor was reacting to the Scorpions 2-1 lost to Tanzania in the ongoing 2014 World Cup Qualifiers.The Mayor said; “since I was removed as the minister of youth and sports, football authorities have not been involving me in their activities, so I decided to sit back and watch.”Samba Faal stated that as a former minister of sports, he should have been contacted for some form of advice but since then, he has not been involved. “Senior sportsmen like me should be contacted sometimes for some words of wisdom but for one reason or the other, I have been sidelined.”Talking about the scorpions’ poor run of form, the Banjul Mayor believes that it about time we look at our home base stars hence the foreign players we have lack the stamina and endurance to endure the 90 minutes. He said: “the reasons why we keep conceding goals in the second half is that our players lack the stamina and endurance to keep to the game tempo for 90mins,” citing that a team without stamina and endurance cannot win matches.He however, opined that the way football is administered in The Gambia leaves more room to be desired and calls for a better approach. He calls on the football authorities instituted to regularize football put down achievable development plans or continue to struggle. Click on the play button to listen to more……

OB: “It won’t be my making that Wallidan escape 2nd division”

Sang MendyAlhagie OB Conateh, the chairman of the normalization committee set to regularize Gambian football has vowed that he will not use his influence to keep Wallidan in the first division. The veteran sportsman and sports administrator made these remarks after watching his club relegate to the second tier of Gambian football.Wallidan lost 1-0 young Africans in week twenty-one of the GFA division one on Sunday; a result that saw Wallidan doomed for the second division. With romours circulating around town that the normalization committee might increase the number of teams to 14 or more, the chairman of the normalization committee remains adamant that it will not be his influence that there is an increase.He said: “we are normalizing football in this country and we will look into what is necessary. If the normalization committee deems it fit to increase the number of teams, then we will. But it will not be my influence.”

Fueling the debate, the veteran sportsman opined that at one time the number of teams was increased from 10-12 so why not.

In the same vein the Mr. Conateh agreed that they have themselves to be blamed for relegating and must use it as a footballing lesson. “We have to blame ourselves for not doing what we are supposed to do and we should pay the price.” It would be recalled that Wallidan has been in the first division for 39years without any threats of playing second tier football.

He however, warned all clubs to take their league matches seriously citing that for the past four years every year a big club relegate to the second division. Click on the play button to listen to more……

Real de Banjul struck when it mattered most. The Banjul club regained top spot following a 2-1 win over Armed Forces who were top of the table prior to the defeat. The victory leaves the 2011-2012 title race wide open with the winner to be decided on the final day of the league season.League leaders Armed Forces slipped and the city club, Real De Banjul capitalized in week twenty-one at the Banjul KG5 Mini Stadium Saturday. Real De Banjul signaled their greed for the title in the early minutes of the match and opened the score through striker Buba Jallow, alias Meles, in the 29th minute.Substitute striker Buba Sama, alias Totti, leveled the score for the men in Khaki in the 68th minute of the game following a goalkeeper blunders. Domingo Manneh grabbed the all-important winner for Real De Banjul in the 86th minute of the game from a brilliant strike to put Real De Banjul on a step closer to winning 2011-2012 season; something they have not done since 2007. Armed Forces’ loss to Real De Banjul has really thrown the title race is wide open as Real De Banjul, Armed Forces and Gambia Ports Authority all stand a chance to be crown champions.

What Coach Sarr saysSpeaking after his side win over the Khaki Boys, Alagie Sarr, Real De Banjul head coach said he is happy for the win because it has given them a chance of winning the title this season. The Real de Banjul gaffer stated that to beat Armed Forces one has to to work very hard because Armed Forces are a good side. Alagie Sarr brought to build a team in three years, now hopeful of the title on final daySarr revealed that if they win the league, that will be a bonus because he has agreed with his employers to build a team within three years and the three years is not yet over. We are in the process of building a team that can compete for trophies in the next five years, "so winning the title this season will be a bonus," Sarr said. What Coach El haji Sey says For his part El haji Sey , head coach of Armed Forces, said the title race is not yet over. He added that his team will come all out looking for that vital win over Hawks even though they will respect them so much on the final day of matches. “We respect Hawks FC because they are a big team but we will go all out for a victory,” he said.How the table looks likeMeanwhile, while the top spot is hot, the struggle to avoid relegation intensifies as relegation threatened Serrekunda United beat Hawks on the same score-line at the Father Gough Sports Complex in Manjai Kunda. Despite winning Hawks, the early pace-setters Serekunda United remains on the relegation duck with just 20points.One team that could not pick itself up is Wallidan. The Blue Boys lost one nil to Young Africans in Banjul thus confirming their relegation to the second tier of Gambian football.

Tanzania dent Gambia’s hope of 2014 World Cup

Sang Mendy

Stingless scorpions of The Gambia have yet again surrendered an early lead to lose 2-1. The scorpions gave up their early lead to allow Tanzania came from behind to win 2-1 in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifier played at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam on Sunday.Momodou Ceesay gave the Scorpions a first-half lead but centre back Shomari Kapombe equalized for Taifa Stars and Erasto Nyoni scored from a penalty to give Kim Poulsen’s team a deserved win. The victory over the scorpions revived the Taifa Stars qualification hopes and dented the Scorpions hopes.The home side began brightly and threatened in the second minute when attacking midfielder Mrisho Ngassa set up Mbwana Samatta outside the 18-yard box, but the TP Mazembe striker attempted a powerful shot that was cleared by Gambia defenders. Taifa Stars conceded against the run of play, when Gambia’s striker Momodou Ceesay headed the opener form a perfectly weighed up cross from Saihou Gassama.

The goal energised the Gambian players, but Taifa Stars remained dominant and were inches away from drawing level when midfielder Mwinyi Kazimoto let fly with a screamer only to be denied by the right post. Tanzania continued to command the proceedings, with right full-back Erasto Nyoni sending another effort off target.However, for all their dominance, Taifa Stars lacked a cutting edge in front of goal and trailed by the lone goal as the two teams progressed into the dressing rooms for the breather.Tanzania’s urgency increased after the interval with another bout of persistent pressure, but the Gambia defence stood firm and kept the Taifa Stars strikers John Bocco and Samatta at bay.But as the Scorpions tire out, they curled their tails and allow the home team to pulled the game into level terms through centre back Shomari Kapombe who connected with a bicycle kick from a cross floated in by overlapping Nyoni.Nyoni scored the winner on the 85th minute from the spot kick after one of Gambia defenders had handled the ball inside the box. Gambia occasionally posed threat to equalize but the home side with the team’s brawny attacker, Ceesay, proving handful to Tanzanian defenders in one on one situation.

The math-day two results saw Tanzania move into second position in Group D with 3 points, one behind leaders Ivory Coast who on Saturday drew 2-2 with now third-placed Morocco, while Gambia sit bottom with a point on hand after two games.